I think I can answer yes to all of the above and still like the story, mood and journey in the second one better.
When I think of K1, I often mentally compare it to an episode of Teletubbies. That isn't meant as a negative thing, just observing, that sometimes there is beauty in simplicity and K1 had that. Cardboard heroes and villains with appropriately villaineous motives and laughter. Besides, it managed to make me play through it more than 6 complete times, so it definitely has some kind of addiction effect.
Still, the "look and feel" (not to mention the much improved interface on the PC version) of the second one appeals more to me for some reason, that I can't point my finger at.
To the original poster, you are missing out on a great game if you miss the first one, once you've done that, come back for the second