I came across Scott Aaronson's review of NKS a few days ago and loved it: http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0206089.
I would recommend reading that to anyone who is also looking at Wolfram's work.
I would recommend reading that to anyone who is also looking at Wolfram's work.
That being said, I took a look at your website and GitHub (not to mention your employer, Wolfram Research) and it's obvious you know what you're talking about - I don't think you should be being downvoted as heavily in this thread as you are. Plus you made a Futurama reference, so you're obviously a cool dude.
My point is, let's all avoid implying that people who don't agree with us aren't qualified to discuss this subject. I think both of us are, and Wolfram is a pretty polarizing subject - one that all sides need to keep civil about sometimes.
But, let me say, you're right. But I do think its part of their popularity. Also the fact that they're both very entertaining and erudite writers. And sure, there are plenty of valid criticisms, and they make them.
Off to read your thesis..
If their arguments are invalid, then perhaps they should be rebutted, or perhaps someone could link to another resource where they have been rebutted.