Assembly is very nice and easy, only with a screwdriver. The system might have changed from the past because the manual points to some allen wrench, I think this current system (bolts and round bolt housings that lock in place when turned with a screwdriver) is very smart and it also enables you to cleanly disassemble if you wish to move your furniture at any point in time.
The only "permanent" screws are the ones for the rails. I installed both front and back, not a complicated task.
I like the finish and I didn't find differences such as "being more bright than in pictures". To me it looks exactly as my expectation.
Overall I am quite happy with my purchase