I read the same article. I, too, was disappointed by the negative comments.
Our 05 rides and handles great :thumbs It is a very smooth ride, even over RR tracks. We do not have any issue with parts of the SSR shaking, like described in the article either; it is rock solid.
For me, visibility isn't a big issue. I can see out of the SSR just fine; it is no worse than our C5 or my Fiero. Or, some other vehicles I've driven recently.
True, the bed cover doesn't open like the hood does, but it opens plenty, IMHO. We haven't had any trouble taking the SSR on a shopping spree and loading/unloading various items out of the back.
Personally, I think the article is a little jaded.... the author just didn't like the SSR and tried to cut it down as much as he could.
I would agree that the 05 is better than the 04; suspension tweaks and the LS2 motor do make a big difference. Much like the comparison between an 01 ZO6 and the 04 ZO6. The 04 is better because of the extra HP and better shocks...