I partially agree a 2.5L DOHC will for the most part bend the valves but not usually hurt the pistons or the head if it looses the belt. The issue is the valve angles of the Pent head design. If the intake is open and the exhaust opens the faces will hit. As a note the 2.0L DOHC will do the same.
It's one of the reasons I like the SOHC non-interference EJ engines. If a belt lets go nothing bends or breaks.
I've SEEN one EJ25 with badly damaged pistons from belt failure, and I've see photos of 2 others that were quite damaged also.
I think the EJ25 is a *great* motor, it's just not as bulletproof as the non-interference EJ's
If you PM me I can help you get your timing belt R&R time down to about 40 minutes
To be honest, I've never changed a Subaru belt while it was IN a Subaru. Done a couple on the bench.
The only one I've done that was in a car, was in a VW Vanagon. Gotta remove a chunk of exhaust system and some sheet metal before you can get the timing covers off.
If you can do MINE in 40 minutes I'll buy you a 6-pack!
Steve