It is just gonna be my point of vue.
I have been to all the countries of south America except Chile, Venezuela and Paraguay. I find Ecuador less sad and depressing than Peru and Bolivia
Like most of the big capitals Quito is ok but I find the small towns more intersting.
People here are really nice and have a very good sens of humour, the food is very average.
Cuenca south of Quito is nice and interesting (you can get a plane ticket on Aerogal for cheap and the view is spectacular), Otavalo 1 hour north by bus is a huge craft nice market, very nice.
If you want to see the edge of the rain forest go to Baeza 5 hours by bus from Quito, try to go to Banos few hours by bus.
One thing watch your purse around the bus terminal people slashed my wife's purse in a local bus I noticed something suspect but did not see them acting (she had notihng valuable in it) otherwise the city is safe and laid back.
Have a good trip