The availability of AWD makes a great car even better IMO. The interior materials may be "average", but with the relatively low price I'd rather they cut costs there than in the powertrain or chassis. If you look at the Q45's interior you know that Infiniti CAN make a dashstroker's interior, just seems like they couldn't afford it here.
However, it's become a constant knock against their vehicles so I think they might be learning their lesson. I've heard the new interior of the '05 Altima is much nicer than it used to be so hopefully that trend will continue.