Well Bob, that's a fair review. I think a 6.5 under the new scoring system is appropriate, tho I might have gone a 7 because the games strengths are really strong (graphics, racing AI, handling, set-ups customization, track detail, sound). Maybe you might rescore after the patch if it moves you? Otherwise, you really nailed it here.
Create A Car is...a disappointment to me. I feel frustrated by it's structure, there is no flow. EA DID do this aspect much better, along with an in-depth career mode in some of their games. BTW, I really like your ideas for Silly Season and sponsor wrangling in the off season, sweet!
I really enjoy 'running' this game at home, but right now I'm just turning times at tracks and getting my driving down (Legend mode, Hard AI). I'm also trying to top your best lap times you've posted so far on 360 lol I've got ya on a few!
For 2012, with such a great engine and racing AI foundation laid down, I'd like to see the career mode really pumped up and PLEASE a new car creation tool; preferably an exportable/importable template solution like NASCAR 09 was so the gifted guys out there can make a car for me
Overall, I really enjoy the game for what it is; a solid freshman effort (like F1 2010) with some bugs to start but should get patched. Great base to build from for future versions, but lacks career depth. Props for great graphics and gameplay, and attention to detail on the cars and tracks.