I usually don't write in such topics, but just my point of view.
From what I have seen UI is great, HW is OK - I hate this game of CPU/SoC-s, it is not the spec sheet but overall feel and performance that matter. Also I will happily give up 500MHz and a CPU core for a day more of battery life. N9 is more mainstream and ("normal")user friendly than N900 which is required for the OS to really get wider approval. It is a welcomed launch and I think many people will fall in love with N9.
My only complain is: why not releasing both slide out HWKB and the touch-screen only VKB together? Like the E7 - N8 combo? That way everyone of us can choose what best suits his needs.
Anyway - I am strong supporter of the project and will like to help it have a chance to live on so we get Maemo/MeeGo on various form factor devices from NOKIA.
Good luck Maemo/MeeGo!!!