Great review.
Are you sure you're only reading those magazines and not writing for them?
In any case, all that reading time wasn't wasted.
I think other posters already answered to all of your concerns. Just want to add something about the visibility.
When you drive at first, the lack of the rear visibilty freaks you out. I live in the crowded NYC where I have to back up often, and at first I was really paranoid about doing it. Having installed the Van Eyes and blind spot mirrors, and learning how to use them properly, I now feel almost as confidient about it, as I do with any sedan. I'm actually finding myself using the rear mirror a lot: with the VanEyes mounted directly behind it, you can see the cars behind you very well, and the blind spot mirrors along with the big stock side mirrors are really helpful when you switch lanes (I do a lot of that) .
You don't even need a camera if you make a good use of them.
I have however recently installed a mirror built-in monitor and a camera, but only because my wife is begining to drive the VX too, and she's a new driver.

Good luck,
- Ed Y.