Honestly, the bitching and moaning from a select few (book snobs mostly) is tiring. These writers started with a foundation go work from, but they have had to deviate because that fat shit is a lazy cunt and won't do his job and finish the bastard story. I don't blame them for the rushed feel. Yes, they could have planned in advanced a bit better but how many times has the next book been pushed back in the last 7 years?
It probably occurred to them during season 4 that the story wouldn't be advanced through the books so they are having to tie up the story quicker than planned. I still don't understand why we are getting shorter seasons, that just makes it even more rushed. Regardless, it's still the best show on television, the spectacle alone is worth celebrating.