I'm also a big fan of these games but at this point,I feel like they're still stale even with the some of the changes Elden Ring brings. Best open world exploration for me was RDR 2,a lot to find off the unmarked path. Elden Ring is the first one of these I didn't go for all the optional bosses on my first run because of how tired I was of it near the end. Things I forgot to mention,most of the boss themes are pretty forgetable compared to older titles,theres a few great ones but not as many as before. Likewise with the area themes,Altus Plateau,stormveil castle,limgrave,leyndell capital and the haligtree themes are all great but most are meh. I'm glad you enjoyed it though,I feel like I took a break and came back to it knowing what I know now I might enjoy it a bit more on a different build.
Also on Malenia,she doesn't follow the stagger mechanics of the game. Seen people compare her more to how bosses in Sekiro are but I have't gotten around to that one yet myself.