Brian --

If you intend to evaluate your wife's 401(k), I would strongly recommend that you also ask for the SAI and the 5500 to utilize.  And go at it step-by-step per Loeper's book.  Hopefully, you will find that you are paying reasonable fees.  Some people are. 

I understand your frustration at what might have looked like pandering to peoples' emotional side, but to me that's needed in this type of situation.  Frankly, 99% of people are complacent and you cannot draw them in by providing them information alone.  There really is plenty of information out there, but people don't get it in terms of the onerous load of fees and expenses.  They still ARE SOLD stuff by salesmen who draw them in, chiefly by using the customers' "emotional side" in a multiplicity of ways.  There are LOTS of people who are presenting data and no one is hearing it.  The emotional side must be present in order for most people to "hear" the message. And fear is a good motivator. 

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it ;))))   

But if you REALLY think that data will sell the story, would you PLEASE come to my school district and talk to them about the 403(b) changes coming in January and why they need to keep a no-load option available?  No one in admin or the business office is hearing me!!  Of course I am not coming in bringing donuts or telling them not to worry about the coming changes because I can take care of it for them and they'll not have to do extra work or worry about a thing. 

Let us know how your 401(k) evaluation goes!!  It will be interesting to hear and I'll have my fingers crossed for you. 

M0neyh0ney