That only works if the cliffhanger is a simple sequel hook that does not have to be realized, or if that final episode provides some manner of closure that is a vage 'enough', and what the final episode really does, or attempts to do. Point in case, once again, is Lost, where I was perfectly fine with the ending in spite of what everyone else was raving on about. It served as enough of a closure to the show that it worked for me. It still wasn't a good ending to the series, of course, but it tied the really necessary parts up fine enough.
In a way that's similar to NGE's original ending. It provides an ending to all the truly necessary things, just not one to the narrative.
That would serve as an amplifier for the issue. On the other hand, it is better for a series to simply end with no resolution than to be retooled and made worse for the wear. Bonus points when it happens to a series that feels like having been specifically created for you and you alone. Sigh. Stupid Kevin Sorbo.
I didn't particularily care for Stargate Universe, but the series was cancelled just as it picked up a little steam and had a streak of decent episodes, and it ended on a cliffhanger to boot, because the series creators expected another season, at the very least. Syfy killing Dark Matter? Can everyone involved in that decision please go die in a fire?
That would have sucked. Tonight's nightmare: Steven Universe without a proper ending. Ugh.