Re the ratings ... perhaps a 1 or 5 star rating should not be possible without written justification. As enthusiastic as people can be it does result in hype, devaluing by inflation.
When scanning reviews I check (some of) the lowest, the highest and some mid way, I usually get a reasonable idea if the content is well written. The more personal and nostalgic, the more overtly subjective content gets short shrift with nasty ol' me. Not that I don't appreciate enthusiasm but the considered assessments get the most reading from me anyway.
There's a review of Yes' debut on the front page which is a rather good example of how a review should be written. A good read and fair assessment of the album. He can do mine - I gave up...