One of the things IMHO that causes much hybrid hate is that hybrid drivetrains are related to EV drivetrains. Car enthusiasts seem to despise the EV so this anger is easily transferred to hybrids. Imagine how apoplectic they'll get when you'll be able to plug in your hybrid?

Batteries are "almost there". Stuff from Valence Technologies and A123 are by far better than anything else out there. At this point it's only a matter of time (and not much time, thankfully).