Let's just come to grips with it. Not every Android phone is going to fit everyone. That's why there are 1000 Android phones. If this was some kind of flagship phone like the iPhone, then you can complain that it doesn't suit your every need because it's your only option. In this case, the phone will suit the needs of some and not others. Fortunately you have other options. It may suck. I like this phone too, but I use 11 GB without even trying and no Unlimited data plan means cloud storage is not a suitable alternative.
I love the way you think.
Android is all about choice.
For many people, not all and no guesses on percentages, this will be the perfect choice. Others will find their perfect choices instead of this one.
My thoughts -
On the Verizon exclusive: VZW missed out on the One X, so now they have the DNA, a big upgrade in many ways. Next year comes Mobile World Congress 2013 and the new batch based on this platform that other carriers will offer. Verizon customers play front of line on leapfrog now, in six months, it's the next revision.
Smartphone releases are a game of leapfrog.
How about the SGS3 vs the DNA? See: leapfrog, comma, two lines depending on which cutting edge features.
How about the Note 2 vs the DNA? See: Android is all about choice, comma, some people can't abide a big size, some can't abide no sd card.
How about all of the things that they left off? See: Before you know it, we'll all carry quad cores with 1080p displays, but until then, this is the first one. And first ones are for early adopters. When the rest of us catch up with other models with more features, when we swoon over the base features, the early adopters will just nod and smile. From audio to HDTV to smartphones, it has been and will always be that way.
How about how HTC is going out of business not listening to people? HTC had taken hits from Apple litigation scaring the market (both stock market and consumers). HTC just signed a 10-year pact with Apple to end that. Did they not listen to people or did they respond to pressure under duress? Your guess is as good as mine. But I note with interest that we are talking about the maker of the very first Android phone here.
My opinion?
Android is all about choice.