i think they're much different to the old ones that you're talking about, i've only had a short kick around on the UNSW one, like you said the problems have been ironed out.

the bounce is comparable to grass, same as the roll, plus there's no bumps etc. i'd happily play on it, but i grew up playing hockey on astroturf so i'm used to it.

i watched a game of women's AA on it after, so I can't give you much information as to what a proper game of football is like on it, though.