The cast/actors are fine. I just don't like any of the characters (aside from a rare exception that makes the rule). They are not people I'd want to hang out with - almost everyone is a jerk or worse. Out of the characters you mention I only like Hurley (although I admit that I don't like looking at him) and he's just comic-relief.

I'd rather spend my time watching Doctor Who (for example) which has people who feel like old friends. Doctor Who is "let's go have an adventure with your zany uncle and his hot girlfriend" while Lost is "let's go hang out on a scary island with a bunch of a88holes."