I found this while looking for a BBS about NPR. I think your points are good, and it's interesting to get a bit of the insider's view. I might write a piece on my own blog...
I think NPR needs an external source of comment. It's fine to run a letters-to-the-editor online, but there should be an independent source of criticism. My cohorts and I have been complaining of declining NPR quality for years, and I see very little space to discuss it online. In fact I think every media-source people care about ought to have a watchdog. In my case that would also include the LA Times, which has Truthdig.
If there is such a site for NPR I'd like to hear of it. Else I may get frustrated and start one.