Very good Hardtail, but complicating things too much will also lose the fun and render reviewing difficult.
I'll comment a few of your points which I think are good point in general but maybe not always reasonable.
2) Reviewer reviews a device that is used within his or her style. In other words, they are writing from experience with that style. Instead of say a blues person trying to review a Flying V with hot EMG's.
I disagree on that point. I think it's great information to know that Flying V with hot EMG's don't fit blues. As long as I know the reviewers preferences and what he or she tries to achive.
In general I find too many reviews being too positive but since we're not a magazine depending on manufaturer ads we dare to.
3) Reviewer provides ACTUAL photos. This is very important to me because manufacturer photos are always airbrushed up and brightened and don't really reflect what it will look like in real life.
I could review stuff I've used before but no longer own. And I don't have actual photos of them either and this is a point where the fun is lost on my part. I think it's a hassle with cameras and to transmit photos to the computer and for that matter, if I were to review my present stuff I'd have to go to the rehearsal rooms to take photos... nah. I will upload my own picture if possible, if I never come to that I will use one from the manufacturer.
The reason I havn't made any reviews on my stuff is because I wanted to apply sound clips of the H&K Switchblade and also the Peavey but I haven't come to that yet.... also a hassle with miking things up.
But I'm not objecting to real photos, I'm just saying don't make too many demands on a review since at least I will think it loses it's fun.
4) Reviewer provides price paid.
These should be guidelines for every reviewer in my opinion. I will review my Fender Stratocaster this coming week and will try to review it with what I would like to see from other reviewers. And remember, it's just my opinion.
Just be aware prices will differ a LOT between the one side of the puddle and the other. There can be a 100% increase of price for something made in the US and sold in the US compared to Sweden. And the other way around (but not 100% in that direction) with ENGL f.ex which americans find expensive.
So entering a price will not say that much unless you're aware, when reading it, that it can differ a lot and you have to know which brands differ more and which differ less.
So, I still think templates are good, DON'T complicate them (like separating solid state amps from tube amps) but leave some space for the reviewer instead of keeping a strict form.