When I saw those shots a couple of months ago they were what finally convinced me that I really liked the looks of the '04. The original airbrushed artwork on the Pontiac site just didn't look very cool - but the 'real thing' did, to me at least.
I believe that one reason a few of the boys at CGP bash the '04 is the normal reaction to a new body style. Current ownwers have a lot invested in their rides ( money and personal attachment ) and some resent the fact that it has suddenly become obsolete. They forget that car styles need to be updated regularly....and it is easy to bash the looks a new design if it differs from the old. I'm sure that some owners really do not like the new style, and that's fine too....personal opinion counts for a lot. And the gripes about only 4 doors is legit for some....about 15% of all GP buyers opted for 2-doors.
I don't get too worked-up over all the ranting....it will die down, just as it does on every car/truck newsgroup I've been on when a new version of the old model comes out. Here area a few more pics some may not have seen:
http://new.clubgp.com/sema2002/