That's an interesting analysis, Paper. However, I must point out that the presence of a formula alone isn't necessarily indicative of an unentertaining book.
Most books and series follow patterns. Whether the author uses the traditional heroic cycle, or a more modern narrative structure such as the 'detective/mystery' plot, formulas are quite common in writing. In fact, if there ISN'T a formula, then many readers become confused and uninterested because they can't unconsciously predict the narrative flow and tension of the book.
The skill of an author, therefore, is not to defy plotting conventions, but to use them in a way as to make them invisible. Depth of characterization, clever discoveries in the plot, general world submersion--these things, when done well, can make the most cliched plotting structure seem vivid and real. That is why we can read virtually the same plot structure at the beginning of every Harry Potter book, yet enjoy them all thoroughly.