Let's see. I've been using the same type of chainring bolts since 1967 with never a problem. The lapping compound has eliminated the need for the nut spanner successfully for 46 years, or almost twice as long as Sram was in existence. In all that time, I've never had bolts loosen, get lost, stripped or seized, so why should I consider them crap.

Yes, the knurled nuts are a nice thing, and I wonder why it took so long for someone to come up with the idea, but I don't see them as an improvement on what I already own.