Bob,
Very valid points and another reason that one has to really do a good deal of research and read a myriad of sources and reviews before the whole picture emerges. Much of the community on this site as well as others, in many cases, have as much expertise as some of the so called reviewers on the "major" sites". Part of the issue is that people type into Google their search perimeters and couple them with "review" and most times are taken to the photography based major sites. Many of them go no further and are not active members of any photographic forums or communities so don't have the added exposure in that realm.
I personally am not one for the higher-end technical reviews, although I know they have there place. I agree with your point that opinions are good, and you have to weigh all of the opinions, and then fit the results in with exactly what you are looking for in a camera. As a case in point, I am thinking of jumping up to a GH2 and once again ditching completely my DSLR gear. My one hold back is that I still need to shoot some action sports that my son is involved in. A number of the reviews I have read so far have cited the increased ability to fast focus and the better fps rate, but I have yet to see any concrete examples, so I am waiting a little longer to make my decision. Of course, I say that but in reality, I see your images and others and feel it would be nice to get the GH2 and just see for myself. As Ronald Reagan once said regarding treaties with the old Soviet Union..."trust but verify".