Having started using the new namespaces as well as some of the other new features (late static binding FTW), I completely agree with the author.

I too got caught up in the hype when the whole namespace debacle first hit, but after using them in a sizable project I have no gripes whatsoever.

Also, the character choice isn't really bad at all. And before those with non-english keyboards start griping, I'm currently consulting in Stockholm and as far as the Swedish keyboard goes, you guys have much bigger fish to fry (it's even hard to type a semi-colon).