I agree with your points but I hadn't taken it more seriously than basic entertainment, and I find it more grounded than American Hot Rod, Overhaulin' and most of the ill-conceived rip-offs they've generated.
I am kind of baffled by a few of the little things, like the TBird engine and some faux pas in the F100 and Barracuda projects; while dad seems generally to have the wherewithal, he slides some past the fact-checkers and some of the others just leave you scratching your head ... although the new shop manager seems to be pretty together.
Ah, well, it's just TV. Still kind of fun to see my neighborhood on TV.
And as you say ... the Olds guy! Sheeesh! I can't even imagine having his personal hobby budget! Wow! It doesn't hurt that the '70 Cutlass was one of my favorite 1:1 rides back in the day ... but his stuff ~~~ WOW!