Truth has a lot to do with perception. Your perceptions are based on reading, and clearly putting stock in what others tell you, regardless of thier qualifications. I feel that mine are based on much less bias. I have clearly looked very closely at the ML. I have driven several of them on many different occasions. I have taken the time to read what you have provided. I have thoroughly read through Wolfgangs site. As a credit to your efforts, I now know much more about the ML than I ever would have without your insecent prodding.
First, I think you have fallen into the marketing trap. DC clearly wants to SELL the ML. It is a huge profit maker for them. Would they trot out engineers and designers to bolster this? Heck yeah, would those people imbellish slightly to show preferance the the vehicle of the future (ML) vs. the vehicle slowly slipping in to the past (G)? Especially when corporate profits are concerned. I find it rather niave to assume anything less than that has occured, based on the info you have provided.
The G is far more of a hand built vehicle than you would like to admit. Frames are fully welded by hand. Brake lines are still bent from raw tubing by hand. Axles are hand assembled, as are transfer cases. These are all "G" specific components. Everything bolted to the hand built chassis is done by hand. Likely the only car in the world with more hands on production is Rolls or Bentley, and that is waning as large corporations take over ownership. Call it what you like but, the G is certainly a far cry from being built by drunken stoned united auto workers like the ML. Gee, were there some quality issues with that model? Recall that the ML nearly destroyed MBs long fought reputation for building the best cars on earth. It was the first MB to be lambasted by Consumer Reports. Yep, thats the model I would align myself with.
I would not say that lockers are needed on the ML. I have said over and over again that there are some inherant flaws in the design that make it much less than optimal for the type of things I would use it for. ie; independant suspension, low step in hieght, plastic bumpers, yadda, yadda, yadda. I would buy Jeeps new "Rubicon" model long before I would bother trying to make an ML into a respectable trail buggy. The basics are clearly missing from the design in an admitted attempt to make it carlike. I just fail to understand what is so hard to accept about this? That combined with the S600 comment and previous bleatings about having no funds for a trip lead me to think that, I am dealing with sheer envy. That is not a healthy thing Tracy. I hope you think about it on your ride. I suppose you would like to deride the S600 next? Only a fool, in your opinion, would conspicuously consume like that, right? An E320 would serve the same purpose, give the same satisfaction. Some of us are tuned into these "finer things". There is a measurable difference, to some it is worth the cost. Those without the means to procure such loftiness often lash out. Sound familiar? Why would you deride someone for doing well for themself? That is not what America was founded on. Instead be proud to say that it can be done here. Just eight years ago I was driving a rusty '72 Monte Carlo and my wife had a '89 Trooper. I have worked HARD for this stuff FYI. I am far from a fool with money. I am however a sucker for a sweet set of wheels
As for a website, there are already a couple very good ones out there. No need for me to spend the time to try and out do them. try g4rce.net or clubgwagen.com, both offer photos and commentary on the G. Niether take shots at competing models or brands like the ML page you support.