Actually, if you look at the pros listed in the article, they make a pretty good case for the AVL.
Had R E remained in England, the changes made to the bikes would have been far more drastic. R E India should be complimented for retaining the traditional features while improving the engine - course they were forced by circumstances of emissions to do so, but they did a good job.
I'll take the less maintenance, better cooling, better fuel and oil efficiency. slightly more power, any day. They apparently last longer before rebuilds as well.