One topic that I have not seen covered is what to look for in a final inspection?

As a consumer, after the brand new floor is installed, what are some key items to look for?

Excess glue?
Too large of gaps (that shoe or quarter round won't cover)?
Proper layout of the floor and edges?
How to check if the floor is secure, check for popping, etc?

What is acceptable, and what is absolutely unacceptable? (For example, we saw a recent post with pictures of some trim that was just awful)

I guess I'm looking for a basic checklist for consumers to run through upon completion of a project.

Perhaps this would be a good topic for a FAQ section?

What you are refering to is some sort of standard for quality. IMO, the following should be the minimum.
1)No gaps on endbutts greater than 1/64". Most should be tight.
2) Side match the same.
3) Floor should be flat and secure. No noises should emminate from the floor.
4) All gaps at the perimeter should be covered by appropriate trims.
5) All glue should be removed from the surface.
6) Contractor should clean the floor at the end of the job.
7) Trims should be nailed/glued securely and nail holes filled with matching
putty. Joints should be well fit but some filling and caulking is acceptable.
Floors should be free of installer damage. EI: scratches, dents, gouges,
scrapes from tools, glue, etc.
9) Installer is NOT responsible for touch up painting of walls UNLESS due to
his negligence, he damaged the walls.
10) Floor should be square and paralell to the room, unless the it is
impossible due to an extremely out of square building.

I'm sure others can add to this. This is just what I thought of right now.

finish should be free from areas uncovered by the finish (dry spot)
finish shoud be essentially free from visible dust locked there within
stain should appear even in saturation and general color consistancy
wrinkles, drips, and bumps are nasty

Footprints in finish should not be present.

DNA tests will be required for proof that all hair samples found in finish belong to installer and not customers' cat.

Excessive edger marks are not to be considered excessive unless nail tops/staple tops are visible.

Drum marks that can be felt beneath area rugs are considered excessive.

Just some comic relief guys .....

the finish should not peel off the entire floor in one large piece, untill payment is received