Here is why the recent criticisms of the pool sound a little like half baked frustration than anything else.   Detailed math really isn't even necessary to prove it, and here is why:

We get all transaction fees(better than some!)
We get all bitcoins
We only pay .9% admin fee(among the lowest).
Every share is treated equally(better than most who kick back to large operators)
Data provided on the website provides full transparency necessary to confirm the first 4.
Website is not a "pretty" as some but rock solid in my experience.

There are no other sources of bitcoin in mining we are missing out on and there are no other fees - hidden or otherwise - detracting from our profits.  In fact the only fee is occasionally waived.   Just this high level analysis proves there is no "there", there.

And PLEASE lets all stop talking about the 5Nd ramp and all that.  Its simply a weighted average to discourage pool jumping.   Kano is not "stealing" anyone bitcoins.   My ramp-up went exactly like the math predicted and I am sure my ramp-down will also when I turn off the machines.  

Being a newbie, I'm glad to provide my first defense of the pool.   

So nothing left to see here - MINE ON!  and dance too if you must - no one wants to see me dance though  (-: