If all basses were the same, life would be very boring and there wouldn't be much use for this forum. There are design issues with most basses, you either accept them or don't - sensible people then spend accordingly. I don't much like Warwick Thumb basses (because of the neck dive) but going on about it is pointless as it's a personal opinion. Do I like Rics - yes, would I elect to have one as my only bass - no.
Regarding some of the aforementioned issues:
1. Bridge design - certainly 'industrial' but once set to your liking seems perfectly ok to me
2. Tail lift, mine's ok so no real experience of this. Probably wouldn't equip it with very heavy strings though. just in case.
3. Finish issues, I think Ric could learn a thing or 2 from Squier but I cant complain on the ones I've had (no bleed or flaking paint)
4. Weak neck pup; it's quieter than the bridge pup but that's what the knobs are for....