That's the way Global Trade Watch sees the 2012 US Model BIT, which was announced on Friday. They have a tracked changes comparison of the old one and new one. As far as I can see, there is not much difference in terms of substantive obligations. Luke Peterson has all the details here.
Two news reports suggests that finalizing the new model BIT will help with the conclusion of U.S. BITs with China, India, and Russia. I don't know if that's true, but I am looking forward to hearing the debate if there is a congressional vote on a U.S.-China BIT.
Speaking of investment treaties, TDM is looking for papers on the topic of "Aligning Human Rights and Investment Protection." See http://www.transnational-dispute-management.com/news.asp?key=445
