I'm not a huge fan of the rounded corners as well. I don't feel they date the building. The crown is not doing it for me either. It's too abrupt a change and doesn't add any height which this design could use.
A lot of guys in the BP thread agree that the change to clear glass is too abrupt. I'll wait until it's fully enclosed and finished before I decide.
I believe the podium is supposed to have a small coffee shop in it integrated with the lobby, but that may have changed. There will not be a significant retail presence, that is for sure.