Is the Madcow 5x5 Program Good for Intermediate Lifters

I have just finished up my beginner linear progression and I am looking for something that allows for more recovery. I have been looking at the Madcow 5x5 program and it seems like a solid intermediate option.

The weekly progression instead of every session sounds like exactly what I need right now. I am finding that squatting heavy three times a week is just too much for my knees. I like the idea of the light Wednesday squat session to keep the blood flowing without adding too much fatigue.

Has anyone here run Madcow for a long period? Did you find that the volume was enough to keep your bench moving? I have heard some people say that the upper body volume is a bit low compared to the lower body work. I would love to hear how you adjusted it if at all.