Even if this is only fanservice, like, pureley fanservice... as a fan of this franchise its surely refreshing not seeing Rika dismembered or stuff like that.
If you are not a actual fan of higu you are NOT going to like this tho, its like, a gift 4 fans of higurashi, not something for the general public... I get why people don´t like it, but judging it like a regular anime its kinda silly since its not meant for people to get into higu.. Thats all.
So if you really liked higurashi you should watch it, its going to make you happy to see the characters in a good situation, but if you don´t and especially if you can´t stand fanservice do NOT watch it.
I personally liked it a lot, and also, what a nice opening omfg!