In all this conversation about whether ME 2 is an RPG or a shooter, I think an interview with the Bioware founders made it clear. ME 1 was closer to a traditional Bioware RPG, but ME 2 was what they wanted the series to be, which on a two dimensional scale is closer to the shooter category. In other words, combat is prioritized over RPG elements, which are there to add some depth but ultimately only further along the shooting aspect.
This is just something we have to reconcile ourselves with, it seems. Though, some hope is given us in the recognition by Bioware that they felt fans were strongly sending signals that RPG elements were lacking...perhaps that means they intend to make them meatier in ME 3. Even if that is true, fundamentally ME is a shooting experience.