I was also very inclined to think that the problems with snapolytes :wh were exaggeration and inflation - and they've undoubtedly been very popular. However, whilst I've not even held one, other than in a tackle shop - I've now met 4 separate open match anglers who have abandoned Acolytes due to more than 1 breakage each. By the same token I know several who are very happy with theirs. Maybe they are just too delicate for some people? In the same way that I wouldn't put a flagship long pole in the hands of a beginner ... but an experienced angler can fish for double figure carp with one.
My only direct experience was with the pole rather than the rod .... when the pole first came out I was drawn next to a Drennan Leicester angler on the Soar in the winter. He was plumbing up with his brand new pole, when the 5 section folded (oops!). Having no spare, he had to fish all match at top 4 to hand.