I think NGE as a critique or deconstruction of mecha anime is often overstated. For instance Shinji as a subversion of the typical macho teenage boy mecha protagonist... well there was already quite a lot of mecha anime with non-traditional protagonists, such as Patlabor's Noa Izumi who is neither a boy nor a teenager. Patlabor broke the mold in numerous other ways besides, more-so and better than NGE. Mecha (e.g. Labors) foremost as industrial tools instead of super-science weapons with mysterious powers. Pilots being professional young adults who mostly act like it. Most of life for the crew being mundane routine responding to DUIs instead of grand save-the-world plots (a few military coups notwithstanding.) I think in these regards, NGE stays closer to the traditional mecha formula that it ostensibly deconstructs.
I think where NGE really shines is the art, design, animation, which are all stunning. I have much respect for NGE, but specifically as a deconstruction of the mecha genre I've never been impressed.
