Product review (3 stars): Not at all as bad as you've read, though not perfect.
I'm surprised at the poor reviews (although not THAT surprised -- there are only two other reviewers at the time I am writing this). I genuinely like this cooktop and think it is a good product overall. Previous reviewers were correct in stating that there are a couple of annoying flaws, however: 1) the grate pads that go on the bottom of the iron grates do tend to fall off (poor fit? weak adhesive?) and as of having this cooktop two years I have lost EIGHT out of twelve pads. When I first lost them (where did they go??? I'll never know), in moving the grate to clean I accidentally scratched the stainless steel in a couple of places due to not having the protective little pads. The scratches aren't terrible and the cooktop still looks nice but it is still aggravating. Additionally, I'm having a hard time locating the correct grate pads to order. 2) Yes, the "High" and "Low" and "Whirlpool" type has mostly come off after two years, but I don't really care, since I already know it's a Whirlpool, and I obviously know which direction High and Low are on my knobs. If I didn't, surely I could figure it out...

PROS:

Really nice geometric look and almost industrial-type design (i.e. attractive in the kitchen)
Ultra functional
Helpful simmer burner in the back (gets super low flame which I appreciate especially for cooking rice) and REALLY hot quick boil burner at front right (this is an amazingly hot burner which is great for boiling water quickly OR searing meat - YEAH!)
Cleans up fairly easily; burner caps and dial knobs pop off easily for cleaning, too

Generally I have really enjoyed having this cooktop and for the price (I got it for $699 two years ago) I think it's great. If you are aware of the two little issues and prepare to avoid them (maybe glue on those little grate pad feet yourself? and be careful when cleaning that you don't scrub hard over the type), it's a perfect cooktop.

Please note: In the photo the cooktop was not perfectly clean (spots are soup and not damage). Also, we've been installing new tile and so yes we know we need to touch up the paint still, etc. :)