I don't like River, and I've never liked River even before I knew any of the backstory. If anything the backstory makes me like her a little more--I get a glimpse of the mental/emotional journey she underwent to become who she is as an adult. I don't like her because she is so cocky, but I rarely do like cocky characters. Now if she had a spinoff show, I may very well change my mind. I always enjoy Jack better with the Doctor than without, and I think River would be the other way around. Group dynamic can count for a lot.

So I don't like River. To me, she seems to take the fun out of things, but I can't say why beyond that.

However, I like Amy, especially young Amy, and I LOVE Amy and Rory.

My sister likes River though. Maybe you just came across a vocal minority.