I think these kinds of characterizations are really overstating the problems folks have had.
Understanding that folks with loaded up, 150+ sensor environments, have migrated to another automation hub is one thing, calling the Almond+ an alarm clock is another.
As an example, I'm a Kickstarter Backer and have been using my A+ since day 1 as a full time WiFi Router and Home Automation Hub. Utilizing both bands on a daily, full time basis for video streaming and data use. I work at home for the most part and it is a critical piece of infrastructure that has not failed me as WiFi Router, not once. Perhaps that day will come but it hasn't yet.
Using several dozen sensors has been enough for me to generate dozens of rules and scenes that have complimented my home automation goals nicely. Not as complex as some installations to be sure but far more than the average home at this point in time.
What I'm really looking forward to is expanding my WiFi range and meshing a second controller to increase range in my setup and that of a few family members.
Automated lighting systems that respond to my departure or arrival and respond differently when various family members arrive or depart are just some of the features I have enjoyed implementing. Security systems and the ability to monitor and control sensor remotely via my smartphone or tablet have been useful on many occasions, especially when on vacation.
Would I like integrated video monitoring, yes. Is it a show stopper? No. My phone has a couple hundred apps on it already, 1 more doesn't make a difference and isn't exactly a hardship to use.
WiFi coverage issues are easily worked with various solutions that are and have been common place for years and years. A compact form factor without an external antennae shouldn't be expected to blow the industry out of the water with super amazing coverage. I have found it no worse and in cases, better than the well known WiFi router it replaced.
And for the folks complaining about WiFi drop outs based on smartphone WiFi analyzers, those observations are nearly irrelevant. If you have device lose connectivity, I get it and that stinks but smartphone WiFi analyzers are notoriously poor tools in the world of professional heat mapping of WiFi networks.
Here's an example of a rock solid WiFi network that you average smartphone user would think has major issues.