This boot is significantly different in fit and feel than the standard Ion; I tried on two pairs of standards recently (using one for a few days) before switching over to the Step On system. I had older standard Ions and was simply looking for new ones. One thing led to another and...

The Step Ons are comfortable, warm, moisture wicking, responsive, and reasonably easy to adjust. The lower speed laces need to be over-tightened and then relaxed in order to get even tension on all the laces. Otherwise, the ones closest to toes are slack. I have to tension and release a few times, and then settle them in to snug.

The BOA adjustment for the built in ankle strap/heel hold adjustment has to be loosened all the way to get the basic lacing done, and then it's a bit time consuming to ratchet in all the slack. But, it's not a deal breaker and it works to adjust fit and heel hold.

This could just be me, but they're super comfortable and I don't notice them when I'm riding. They just get out of the way and work.

I rode the step on-ion combo all of last season. I have experienced only advantages compared to traditional straps where my feet would go numb if they were tight enough to give the response I wanted. The convenience is nice, but for me the main advantage is the increased response and increased comfort. Riding a wide board has always increased the amount of leverage I needed to carve toeside, and the step on-ions finally gave me a nice symmetric heel-toe response that i could only find with narrower boards in the past.
I understand the Good Ride's reservations about going big with these since they are new and we aren't used to them. However, I again have only experienced advantages when going big off drops and kickers. I felt more stable and secured to the board, more sure of my edge control, and in more control over the boards pop.
As a bigger rider on wide boards, these bindings-boots are what I have been looking for for a long time. I very highly recommend them.