I think the organizers set up this "tougher" finishing week in the hopes that the fight for the yellow would be closer. What they've effectively done is nurtalized the chase for the Green Jersey. I think if guys were fighting for green jersey points we'd se more organization and that would create a little more drama. As it stands, no one is chasing down breaks, because the sprinters aren't going to be there at the end of these smaller cols in the Massif Central.
It's unfortunate that people are seeing this as boring. I guess maybe there's too much focus on 1st place. From 3rd place on down to 10th there have been almost daily changes in the rankings. How often do you see the top 3 guys on the attack on Cat. 2 and 3 climbs this late in the Tour? For the past 7 years, not too often.
Having said that, I'm too die hard I guess. I watch every stage at least twice a day, even a "boring" day like today. I guess "boring" cycling is better to me than anything else on T.V.