Whoa, they're not THAT bad. The only thing bad about foam is that it doesn't last as long. It's a lot lighter than wood and is as strong at first. But the properties of foam just aren't as condensed as wood....it breaks down faster.
The PR is a GREAT ski for the majority of skiers in this world. It's one of the best all around sticks I've ridden and was the first ski of its kind. To whomever said Salomon doesn't give a shit about where the sport is going, remember the Pocket Rocket, because that was the most innovative ski on the market when it came out.
Torsionally, the ski is stable, laterally, it is not. It is 'a noodle', but this isn't bad for many of the riders in this world. So many people underflex skis it's sad. And they don't snap in the park, either. Whoever said that is full of shit. If it does snap, count on a warrenty.
PR gets bad karma because it's not really a ski a lot of the higher end skiers in the world are looker for. Funny, though...how it's still one of the best selling skis in the world and has been for the last 4 years. It must be okay.