They're unapologetically devout - that's their prerogative. I know of no antagonistic behavior from that group with respect to outsiders, which I find to be very unusual. I'm naturally skeptical myself, but I can't find fault with them.
I guess that's fairly well where I am as well - skeptical, but I've seen nothing that shows them to be anything but what they say they are. And one paragraph in the article sort of resonates - that critics of Chabad feel guilty themselves for their failure to follow even basic Jewish traditions and laws. I think there is a lot of that feeling of guilt, mixed with the desire to live "normally", to blend in, that sort of thing.
Maybe a group that makes you question your own level of observation is easier to ridicule than to face...
My personal experience with Chabad hasidim is that they are friendly, sociable, intelligent and warm.
Unlike other hasidim I've encountered, they don't seem to view the rest of the world as evil or out to get them - they simply see the Gentile world as a given, and that while they don't want to assimilate into it, they recognize its good aspects.
They're very eager to explain what they believe and they have a good sense of humor. The one sore spot they seem to have is talking about the Rebbe. They are happy to talk about his accomplishments, opinions, good deeds, wisdom etc. but are very uncomfortable discussing "what" he is.
One of the most delightful sights you can see in New York is a Chabad family - husband wife and 7,8,9 + children walking down the street. There is a real, unfeigned devotion and love in their families that shines in their faces. It must be the greatest joy in the world to have a loving, devoted wife and a dozen smart, respectful children who love spending time with you instead of a television.
If Catholics would listen to the Pope, we would have such families too.