I suppose his fascination with ancient races and sites in the world as well as the complex mythos is rooted in his prior studies/career. It isn't for everyone.
I am in the middle of Midnight Tides and yes, it started slow and now picking up pretty good. I plan to write a spoiler free but detailed review of it probably in the next few days to a week. I have found all his books that way so far except Memories of Ice which was non-stop. Personally, I am 5 into the series so I plan to finish them but I won't lie and tell you they are easy reads.
I guess much of it depends on what you want out of a fantasy series. I you want the typical "Hero's Adventure" where the "hero" comes of age on a journey and fights bad, etc. then Erikson is probably not for you. I you want a world (and I mean a world, not a single continent) full of unusual creatures, histories, and variations of a complex mythos then Erikson is a decent enough read. Personally, I am not into elves, dwarves, and so on. Erikson's world uis not about that kind of stuff. His world is hard and cold with sorcery and military might used for conquer and control all the while with different groups who all hate each other crossing paths.
I hope that helps. And, I disagree with the people saying his stuff is annoying or sucks. It just isn't everyone's cup of tea. Maybe it isn't yours? *shrugs*