You missed this from the article:
"The gun snobs may look down their noses at the EZ, but those of us trying to teach beginners, women and senior citizens are rejoicing. Just the fact that a gun manufacturer is paying precise attention to this segments wants and needs is wonderful that the gun actually performs as promised is even more significant. A few of the EZs notable achievements include a genuinely easy-to-rack slide, a crisp, comfortable trigger pull, a price south of $400, recoil rivaling that of a .22 mag firearm, an easy-to-load magazine featuring a load assist button like you might see on a .22 LR such as the Ruger SR 22 or the Walther P22, and the added assurance (for those who still need it) of an optional ambidextrous manual safety. Its like Smith & Wesson actually talked to firearms salespeople and instructors before designing this piece revolutionary!"
Not everybody is a tactical operator like you.
For what it's worth, Ruger did this first with their LC380, which is the larger LC9 frame and slide, with a lighter recoil spring and chambered in .380ACP, with a very easy to rack slide.
I own and carry a G26, so I'm a snob as well, but my latest purchase was a Ruger LCP for pocket carry. Much smaller than the S&W Shield 380 EZ or the Ruger LC9/LC380, and smaller even than my wife's G42.
You raise some good points. Guy in the video below covers the advantages of the gun for women and older people with arthritis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXfmlh27iY0