I believe Darren's experiences are real (why would he lie?) but my experiences in Myanmar (two trips so far, and third one in October) are much more positive. We stayed in rather cheap accommodation and travelled by train, bus and boat around the country. People are generally friendly, we have chatted with many young people (students) about life in general, sports, and even politics. (they were surprisingly well informed, many people listen to BBC World Service)
Be sure to visit Swedagon Pagoda in Yangon (I have been 4 times, spent more than 20 hours there already, and still can't wait to go back), Bagan (easily 2 full days), Mandalay and Kyaiktyo.
And politically it is no worse to visit Myanmar than to visit the USA that has just started its first puppet court in its concentration camp at Guantanamo.