Although the plastic buttons are sturdy and responsive, they feel like a step down from the capacitive action buttons on the N1 and the EVO.
I disagree fairly strongly here. Capacitive buttons should have a longer lifespan and some "cool factor" over standard mechanical buttons, but they're a lot harder to use by feel. I see them as a significant step down in usability, and I don't understand why more professional reviewers don't seem to feel the same way. I don't think the lifespan is a big issue; using components of half-decent quality, the buttons should significantly exceed the standard 2-year life of a smartphone.