I actually found that coverage to be a little odd. So much about it just shouted, "I hate change." It all seemed to be saying, "this is a great feature! I just don't like it because I liked the old Android." I don't mind criticism, I just don't think that "it's different" is a useful criticism.
Also, complaining about software buttons with the argument that, um, button choice is personal? What? It's not like there's some enormous flexibility in hardware buttons or a huge choice in the market of what buttons you want. There are apps that will override the hardware button functions if that's what he means but how is it logical that the same apps can't override the software buttons? I just don't understand. From the article:
Depending on how this is handled, I think it could diminish one of Android’s most attractive qualities: options, choices, flexibility, and personal preference.
How is there a huge number of options, choices, flexibility or personal preference in fixed buttons? A couple manufacturers change the order of buttons on the phones. Otherwise, you're pretty much stuck and who would choose button order over ANY OTHER FEATURE on a phone? Did you really pick a HTC phone over a Motorola phone because the menu and home buttons were in a different order? At least with the software there could be the option of re-ordering them.
Not everyone wants software buttons. Not everyone wants them in the same place. Not everyone wants them to work the same.
Not everyone wants hardware buttons. Not everyone wants them in the same place. Not everyone wants them to work the same. I simply don't understand why this argument holds any water whatsoever.