Darren, a few things:
The HR23 had very little change from the HR22/HR21, just a bigger drive or built-in swm/bbc switchable tuners, eliminating th need for external BBCs, just like the recent H21.
That said, there was not a need for a large amount of testing. I do not believe the first look DBStalk prepared is propaganda, or that the are questions of their objectivity. Simply put, there wasn't much to critique.
As for our site, we are working on our relationship with DirecTV, and have made much progress in the past year. DBStalk has had a relationship with DirecTV for 2-3 years now, that even lead one of thier mod's joining the DirecTV family.
We have had the opportunity to do some trials with DirecTV here, including the recently launched NFL Supercast. Although we have not hosted any hardware field trials, there haven't been many advances in their hardware portfolio this year.
We'll continue growing our relationship with DirecTV, and are planning to meet with them again at CES this year, and are now working on plans to provide the our best CES coverage ever!
Stay tuned!