I don't think Skyward Sword was "dumbed" down and to say so is to turn your back to the over five years the very best at Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters put into crafting this monument for the franchise's 25th Anniversary. Skyward Sword is a great game. It isn't my favorite in the franchise but it definitely soars in numerous areas. The installment boasted a vivid art style, the most dynamic NPCs since Majora's Mask, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, a boss battle mode in the form of the Thunder Dragon's Lightning Round, numerous sidequests, and blending of dungeons with overworld with a particular emphasis on combat and puzzles in both.
With respect to the Super Guide feature itself Miyamoto and Aonuma have maintained that they felt the feature wouldn't suit a Zelda game. Part of the joy the series brings is in progressing through your own wits. The compromise was therefore taken to include the Sheikah Stone in Skyloft, much alone the lines of those found near Link's abode in the Kokiri Forest and Temple of Time in Ocarina of Time 3D.