I think the amount of information - or "filler" - makes sense for the progress of the story, though. Harry gets older, life gets more full-on, the plot unfolds, darkness spreads across the land etc. - I wouldn't say it was all divested in a great way, but I don't think JKR is the kind of author who gives out copious piles of information for nothing.

Hey, that's what fanfiction is for ;)