My only real complaint about the game is the elimination of character specific special weaopns and the fact that so many items in this game cause you to lose your stored item when hit (lightning bolt, if you get smushed, blue shell, pow block, star, and maybe a couple others I'm forgetting.
The team thing doesn't bother me, as I found it confusing and complicated a game I enjoy for it's simplicity. It wasn't terrible, but I'm probably happier without it. Also, trying to do that and steer would be way too hard imo.
Although, when I'm playing for keeps, I use the wiimote and nunchuck controllers. You have to in order to be good enough to unlock some of the stuff.