Personally I don't mind the way japanese voice actors talk, but it does take a little getting used to and has it's own annoying cliches (especially, as you say, with women). Dubs on the other hand: yes, with some exceptions they are just terrible. Americans don't tend to take voice acting very seriously at all.

I don't mind the pacing either (mostly), but it was something Cam brought up and I forgot to put in the poll. I will admit there have been times I couldn't remember if I had the dub on or not, and had to sit there watching cherry blossoms fall for five minutes until some spoke and I could find out :)