Naruto is such a frustrating series, for all the reasons you described. I was told it was "Harry Potter with ninjas!". I was very disappointing.

And Sakura is one of the most frustrating parts. Another minor bit that drives me crazy:during the invasion bit of the Chinu (sp?) exams, Sakura is the one of the only ones with the presence of mind to dispel the knock-out jutsu, but then she just sits there with her mouth open while her teacher gets attacks right in front of her!