"It made the story seem very "now": I concede that it may mean that the story will date terribly in thew fullness of time."
I'm not sure that's Millar's goal, or even if it should be. He's trying to tell good stories and perhaps senses the audience might enjoy these pop references. We're a far more pop savy audience than we were when the Avengers were created.
Regarding criticisms that Millar's "ruined" the Avengers...he's not telling Avengers' stories. These are the Ultimates. You want your tried and true Avengers, you'll have to go elsewhere (though I'm not sure that Johns is giving you them either).
I, too, like THE ULTIMATES as a "mirror, mirror" kind of thing. They're neat because they're NOT our old favorites but are still recognizable.
I'm looking forward to Vol. 2.
Jim
