What kind of payoff are you looking for? Most games back then were lucky to give you "The End" I really don't consider anything else but gameplay when I rate platformers.
I can't say I find Castlevania as great as you make out (I always found it very dreary, dull looking and repetitive) and your disregard for both the classics sonic and the dissing of Wonderboy make me think you have an anti Sega bias. (I guess console loyalty never dies)
The new SMB DS was good, I actually managed to unlock everything (which is rare for me)
If your a fan of the ninty Castlevanias Metriod will probably be enjoyable for you, Mega Man is another missing series from the list, anyone played the new one?