I think the system makes sense in GT5, but I'm kind of stumped with how it's been communicated. TBH I think PD have been a little aloof here in a way that has surely cost the game a fair few percentage points in reviews. It's also confused me as a player (who admitedly doesn't read the manual).
In terms of the reviewers PD know a review wants to be out early aligned to the launch. They really should have given a review guide for a title this big and even considered some save files at level 40, etc. to give to reviewers. A game this big cannot be fully reviewed in all aspects so it's important reviewers know whats in there (shock revelation - often reviewers are scoring on what they know is in the game rather than having fully played it for a levelling based game).
As for the consumer - I didn't know this. I was curious to check this out and immediately tried to prang my car and was very puzzled at the lack of damage. My fault perhaps - but it really feels like PD have almost hidden this key addition as something to be discovered by the player - which is kind of cool but probably not the best choice overall.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
