I agree for what it's worth.

If you read Stephenson for character or environment description, or even a coherent story, you will have a bad time. If you want to read about strange ideas from a guy who spent way too much time thinking about submarine cables, you may have a good time, if that's your thing and you like the topic he is currently interested in. I am (usually) in the latter category.

Reynolds is a different guy. Better story teller, more conventional ideas to me. (I like and have read about all his books too).

If you like Reynolds, try Peter Hamiltons series, especially the Nights Dawn trilogy.