One of the things that's really struck me about the in-play screenshots is that that the mini-map is actually clear and coherent. Has that been a recent change, or is it just a consequence of higher graphics settings?
Maybe its just that its standing still. In game I usually use the popup map (which does not help my game) to plan my routes and most always ignore the map-radar (though i do think its handy... just not sure how yet

)
In this shot I can imagine it not being very clear while moving around and all that. Though you could be right that better graphics helps a lot
[spoiler]

[/spoiler]