lol - no, hopefully not.  But I'm just the messanger answering the original query.

Kinect does have (relatively short though it is) the longest calibration process and it is the most sensitive to room layout.  In a review which isn't just about the product but normally by extension somewhat comparative to similar products (Move / Wii) that's going to get called out to some extent.

Some sites are just chosing to see it as more of an issue than others.

So I think it is fair to be called out, just not over-emphazised as some have done.  After all, not having to move your coffee table vs having to move it is a difference and for the customer one that might make a difference - which is what reviews are all about.

I always assume there will be some idiots cursing somewhere struggling to get something like Wii, Move or Kinect working, and you'll hear about it too.  So long as it remains in proportion then it's fine.  Personally, setting up Kinect doesn't seem too bad to me and reasonable (pardon the pun) for the hardware itself.

I actually had the same problem as the OP.  My couch is about 11 feet away from my Kinect and I have to lean forward a little bit for my hands to be visible.  I would rather have that issue than not enough space.  Setup is painless.  Not sure if my Kinect ID stuff is working for me yet.  Maybe I did not have enough light when I set it up.  I also used the smiley card to calibrate as well.  So far I haven't had any issues with Kinect going funky on me or anything. 

I also wish I had thicker window shades :)

Well its very specific living room needs are pretty rough. It absolutely limits who can use the device. I can never get Kinect, for example. I simply cannot possibly create the space in my gaming room that it requires me to have, no matter where I move things. My couch is less than 6 feet from my TV stand, and even turning the TV to a different part of the room there is never a point in which I can create an 8 foot circle of free space. I can't create enough space for me to use the device, much less me plus another person. It's simply unuseable for me.

I have two rooms that could take Kinect.  One would require a lot of changing as it's very dense with furniture, etc.  The other in theory easier except the couch is in the centre of the room facing the TV, so it would have to be moved back a good 4 to 5 feet.  So I completely understand.  Ultimately, Kinect is simply not going to be possible for some people due to room configuration.

Set-up is really simple, set in place, calibrate and boom done.....Maybe some of the negative reviews were from non-tech people.....

Paul 

Did the 360 prompt you to calibrate with the card?  Ours did not and it is working flawlessly. So should we bother?

I haven't even seen this mythical card I keep hearing about, I guess is it under where the Kinect was housed in the box?

I think if yours is working, I wouldn't bother with calibrating it....

Paul 

I didn't even know kinect was out yet.

It comes with every new kinect game, including kinect adventures.