I have read it I took it for what it is and I really enjoyed it.
It is easy to read and stimulates something in women that most men are unable to provide them, romanticism, eroticism and taking them on a journey outside of their day to day life.
It is not well written and will never be a great novel, but then I very much doubt anyone expects it to be.
I really enjoyed it and have started the second and read it when I am not in the mood for something more challenging.
When I read it on the train I sometimes get a strange, even flirtatious look from other travelers, I simply smile and reply "market research".
My point of view is there is nothing at all wrong with giving a woman pleasure, more men should read it and gain a bit of insight and emotional intelligence (not looking directly at the sexual elements). This book appeals to the various layers of a woman and how she would like to be turned on, lusted after, respected, excited, cared for and so on... a multidimensional lover, stimulating all manners of our selves.
In a very transparent and simplistic way it also examines the fallible nature of human beings, which despite the fanciful construct of the circumstances of the novel it provides the reader with a slight illusion of possibility - I could be Anna/Christian.
Fundamentally it is not just about women, these are desires that any emotionally alive person would want from a relationship.
I'm a 30 year old male, I have read 50 shades and I'm not ashamed!!