Some of my favourite games are extremely linear. I dont know why so many people complain about games being linear.
Hell I even like linear RPGs, a la FFX and pretty much every other FF.
For whoever is complaining about games being too linear, here is a video about how games that take the other option can turn sour really quickly.
YouTube - Fable: The Lost Chapters (Fullyramblomatic review)
I think the same applies to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.