I've seen three other reviews from various sites on the HR03-GTX. None of them have been as straightforward and to the point as Eagle Eye's review. Excellent photos too.
My experience with this cooler has been much the same, it does it's job well.
As you have said, there are many variables, such as the case airflow, which can influence cpu temperature. For me, the airflow in the Antec 902 has been enough to sufficiently exhaust the heat buildup from the cooler itself so it has no negative effect on my cpu temps.
Superb review, and looking forward to more testing results.