Although not software, this pertains somewhat.
 
Which publications or websites do you go to for accurate reviews. The lowest review at some mags seems to be 3/5 (reminds me of Homer Simpson the restaurant critic with his "lowest ever rating... eight thumbs up"). Seems like there might be some kind of deep rooted payola going on.
 
Personally I like indepth feature reviews without a number at the end. How about u guys?

It's not unusual even for reliable reviewers to publish predominantly positive reviews. Back when they were only in print media, I had cynically assumed it was done to appease advertisers. But since becoming a reviewer myself, I've come to the realization that - assuming the reviewer gets to choose his own topics - it's just a whole lot easier and a lot more fun to write about stuff you genuinely like.
 
If you only select the good stuff to review, then assigning stars or points ceases to be informative, even if they're objective. SoundBytes accepts no advertising and each writer chooses his own topics. Speaking for myself, I have rejected many products for review because I didn't think they were notable, or were buggy or unfinished. If I commit to writing about it (it takes a lot of time, experimentation and research) it's because I think the product is worthy, at least 8 out of 10 stars.
 
 

+1 on SoundBytes

SoundBytes definitely gets the most of my attention.
These guys know we'd ride them like a lame pony
if they steered us wrong!  


SoundOnSound has been around 30 years, so I give
them props, and they are well respected.  Mix Magazine
is another that I find "thoughtful".  All of the mainstream 
ones I'm sure there is "other considerations" in their reviews.

MusicTech, Computer Music, etc...these are for the "novice" most
of the time...but still have some good reviews and content, and
many times some really good articles....
 
YMMV

Yeah, SOS is often very thorough

The best review is your own. Get a trial if available. Cheers.

Here are a few more that have pretty good reviews on virtual instruments and plugins.

http://filmandgamecomposers.com/
http://soundsandgear.com/
http://www.samplelibraryreview.com/