1. International arrivals and domestic connections are some of the worst I have ever experienced, anyplace, anytime, ever. Awful, even with Global Entry.
PHL is my home airport, so I don't ever come in and connect, but in my 15 years of experience there, international arrivals is just fine. Even when I am not in the front of the plane, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've had to wait more than 10 minutes to get through immigration. I just got Global Entry a few months ago and have used it twice so far...with no one in line ahead of me.
2. Even more so if one arrives in A and departs from F -- a remarkable walk.
There is a shuttle bus, no need to walk. It is really far...which is why there is a bus.
3. The runway configuration is heavily predisposed towards exacerbating delays.
True.
4. TSA have been some of the worst in the country (planting fake drugs on passengers, child porno scandal, retaliatory searches for liking the Dallas Cowboys, just google PHL Airport TSA scandal and take your pick, really).
I have never been affected by any of this; have you? I get through security at PHL with very little fuss and no attitude from TSA (perhaps because I don't have one myself).
5. US Airways sets the tone.
Not sure what this is supposed to mean. If you are not flying US, then you are nowhere near US personnel; they are all in B/C and F.
6. Luggage delivery makes the old days of BA's operations at LHR T1 seem swift.
True.
7. Signage is misleading.
Not sure what you mean by this, either. There is poor signage to the exits in the international arrivals baggage hall, but it shouldn't slow down even a new traveler for more than 3-4 minutes.
8. As is typical of the Northeast, the airport itself was built for a different era, and thus is cramped, tired and really rather dirty.
Partially true, with regard to the older terminals (A-East, B/C, D, and E). The international terminal A-West is just a few years old and very spacious; F is also newer and reasonably spacious and comfortable, especially for a commuter terminal.
9. Philly attitude tends to grate.
Guess you haven't been to LHR, then. I have never experienced anything like the stunning rudeness of BAA staff there. No one in the US airport system can hold a candle.
10. Concessions are hugely overpriced and lacklustre (a bit of a concern given the lack of food at US Airways clubs and the withdrawal of BA open doors for golds).
Prices are exactly like every other airport in the US. There is nothing different or worse about PHL. There are a select few US airports with better restaurants, but in general, one is much like another.