While I don't know much about Gear Patrol's business side, you're correct, they are doing something right to be able to buy DPReview. I've heard they have similar web traffic compared to PetaPixel (this info is from a recent PetaPixel podcast) and that the owner of Gear Patrol is a fan of DPReview. I hope their words hold true, existing staff remains and the site continues as usual.
I agree with you about the written articles vs video reviews in general.