I'll have to add in my observations as everybody else seems to have an opinion to share, too

First thing, it seems that not a lot has changed, only some small things. However it does of course feel that workflows are not so automatic since I've gotten used to the way SFOS worked for almost 2 years.

Most annoying thing is the missed opportunity of having the 2 sideways swipes, as both "in-screen-swipe" and "from-edge-swipe" perform the same action, rotating the carousel.
It still escapes my reasoning why carousel could not be activated from edge swipe and in-screen swipe be reserved for cover actions.
I liked the cover swipe better than the button approach.

The swipe-from-top to change ambience or lock device is OK, I mostly use it to lock the device anyway or set it to silent mode and that's still OK.
One thing I missed from previous version, which still is not implemented is possibility to lock device with ons swipe when I have an applcation in the front; I need to first swipe off sideways and only after that swile down to lock. What I'd like to see si to lock the device without killing thew app, using for example an L-shaped swipe or something.