I admit it is complex, but it does have a few overall features that are good ideas if the system as a whole works. 19.2K mobile data is nice... at least better than 9.6k available on other TRS. The small cell site repeater is also nice. 4-slot TDMA in a compact package that can be mounted on a utility pole. Yes, I know you still have to have backhaul equipment but still can be done without having to build a tower and drop in a shelter. I agree it has gotten a black eye and it may never recover from that.
Is P-25 really the best choice? From the end user perspective, it isn't really much different than the EDACS or Moto system they were on before. There is the digital voice, it has it's own "sound" but there is no static. I am sure there are fringe area issues with garbled audio or other artifacts but I am by no means an expert there. My biggest gripe with P-25 is the cost of the radios. P-25 is hyped as the greatest thing since sliced bread, end-all inter-op problems, best thing for public safety radio system but the price of user equipment is in my opinion outrageous. When a radio costs 1/2 the price of a Crown Vic Police Package... Ok maybe not half but still a significant amount. What about Tetra? I know very little about it but I hear that it is a good system and equipment is not as expensive.