That Ars review was interesting. Interesting that it would be considered a "rent" with how much can be unlocked in this game and the time that would take. Aside from there being almost 10 Forza references in 3 pages, the topper was that the reviewer bought a Ps3 a week or so in advance with GT5P, and was hoping against hope that things would be improved. Sorry, it just felt slanted to me, and it was obvious the person was never going to give a proper review.
One thing that we all should know though, these are nothing more than people's opinions, and a rental is a good way to see if the game is right for you. What bothers one person, may mean squat to you. I can fully admit some of the design/development choices in this game are puzzling, but when it comes down to getting in the car and racing, it's fantastic. I've been to plenty of track days in my life, and it's better to navigate through a few menus, than pack up a set of wheels, check pressures, work the course
The driving is brilliant in this game, and that's what really matters when you get down to it. I really think gaming has been reduced to people over analyzing, looking for the worst, or what should have been, instead of playing and having fun.