My opinions:

Is Consumer Guide a good reference?
Answer: probably not

Is the craftsman durability going to be there?
Anwer: The quality of the light duty Craftsman riders improved in the early 1990's. Most of these held up better than the similar mowers offered by MTD department store mowers. Most of the modern engines run well, but you should be aware the fuel quality deteriorates when the mower sits. Deteriorated fuel gums up the carburetor and valve stems - does not matter who made the engine.

Final comment:
The 42 inch craftman mowers usually work very well. The wider decks may not be a good choice if there are unlevel spots on your two acres. Sometimes the wider decks scrape the lumps. Parts are available through Sears, but your local mower shop may be able to supply parts quicker and cheaper.

Just to follow-up, I ended up buying a Husqvarna 46 in twin blade tractor and am very happy with my choice. It's an LS46 which is a version that is only sold through dealers. I made this choice because I can't help but think whan the time comes for warranty repair or service, I'll get treated better by a local family-owned dealer than by Sears. It's a great machine and makes me realize how underpowered the old MTD was.