This question isn't intended to be confrontational, I'd genuinely love to know your approach if you're willing to share: How do you deal with 1 star App Store reviews from people complaining that very basic features are missing? Specifically, how do you prevent that from tarnishing your App's reputation while you work to get the most requested features added in an update?

Not at all, good q- in first releases we have 'support' bring up email directly, no FAQs first.

We also ask people to review after three sessions- goal is to come out even at 3, followup fast, and get to 4 or 4 1/2 within three releases.