I like my Pono ATD plenty. It's just been outranked by better ukes. Soundwise it slots in between a Beau Hannam tenor and a Martin T2K. Pretty good company.
The truss rod gives a bit of action adjustment that can spare you a more involved procedure.
The thick neck doesn't bother me much, and truth to tell, as I age and my hands become more arthritic the thick neck gives them a break.