The nub of the NPPL issue is the downgrading of current requirements for pilots and, by implication, devaluation of the present standards of ALL private pilots. Critics (and there are plenty who would ban any pleasure flying) are not interested in the average or best but only the worst examples. The better, if not most, private pilots have never been significantly different but the NPPL will facilitate the flying of more dangerous and problem cases, even if the system is free of corruption and other fixing (which it isn't now and it will be worse with NPPL). Under NPPL, a larger minority, who were able to meet the required standards but are not really right, will be pilots, 'just like the rest'.
It is difficult to comprehend how anything which is 'simpler' (your word BEagle) could not be easier. In the intellectual or technical context, this is exactly what has happened with and caused so much criticism of GCSE's, which are simpler and easier than ever.
For PPL training, we have arrived at 45hours, after 40 hours, CAA minimum. Whether that is really adequate is debatable (and there have always been very valid safety concerns about minimum and minimal hours) but there can be no dispute that more is better, both under training and to continue. I have heard many admit they only became anything like competent and safe with more hours, after they got their PPL !
They may have some (questionable) claims about course content and exam standards but it is irresponsible of BEagle & Co to advocate a significant reduction in minimum hours. It is even more bizarre that the CAA (are said to) support them.
On the medical front, there will always be debatable, sad or unfortunate cases, whatever the standards, but 'simpler' must, again, mean easier and that more marginal people will be pilots.
Everyone is sick of 'them', whether it's the CAA, JAA, Council (planning), Government (tax), Airports (landing fees) or CFI. One unfortunate consequence is that any relaxation or rule-breaking is regarded as some sort of victory. The NPPL is one we can do without and may live to regret.