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I think we should be mindful that the same inconsistencies are likely to be present when one gives a negative review. In fact, from reading this thread we know some are. Such as testing while another resonant antenna is nearby.

On the other hand when someone can describe the exact performance characteristics to a "T" and has reproduced the same results in the field that you can regularly, you gain faith in their reports.

For example, when someone reports they couldn't tell the difference between antenna performance at 20 miles but at 50 miles it begin to "shine". I know their measurements were accurate enough to spot the exact area the antenna excels in.

In the absence of trying something yourself can you think of any better way for the average operator to get a sense of its performance other then reading the reviews of actual users? I do this with just about every purchase I make from printers to cars and find it puts me in a better position as an educated buyer.

Had I started using things like Angie's list and QRZ reviews for the electronics years ago, I would have avoided several disappointing purchases. At the same time we have to realize when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not. For example never expect the S4 to outperform a multi element beam. If it does, the beam was not assembled correctly.