I agree the Strida is different, (and not for folk who prefer traditional stuff) but just cos its different doesn't mean its necessarily cr*p .... have you actually tried one of the latest ? (not the early ones from the 80's).
Its 8" wide (not 20") with folding bars and pedals, so its long and thin, and fits in places where other more conventional folders just dont go. A key advantage is no carrying when folded - it just rolls on its wheels. As for performance, put it this way, its as fast as our other familly folder (a Brompton) on the commute and the speed of folding, 5sec, more than makes up for its lack of gears. At the price i'd say its value is brilliant !

OK just my opinion, but at least backed up by recent experience.