You can have intelligent discussions - they just may not prove to be correct in hindsight ;>
What I do find funny among all the various boards is that if people viewed the Leica S2 case in a cold hearted "not intended to reflect actual persons living or dead, etc" manner, I think a lot of people's opinions would shift:
------------------------
Assume you're writing a business case for your local business school and want to avoid being sued.
Describe the existing economic climate, conditions of the camera markets, players, FX, etc.
Then outline Leica's recent history, business model, S&S structure & history and user experiences, pricing, relative size, track record in glass, film and digital Rf and SLR bodies, technology, manufacturing capacities, financials, management, history re: the MFDB market, rental houses, etc. etc, etc. In short, everything you need to make an informed business decision.
>> HOWEVER instead of calling it Leica, call it "Acme Camera". No references to any "Leica" at all.
Now describe the recent moves with the R, quote the recent emails from management re: same (no coloring of the text), the announced S2 and their public/interview statements re: the strategy for the S2, partnerships, etc., etc. In short - a full data download on the Acme S2 program.
Then describe the dynamic and economies of the MFDB markets and players, the current fiscal condition of the professional photography service markets, the rental house dynamic, S&S needs, etc. In short all the critical issues that ANY MFDB would need to take into consideration selling into that dynamic this year and say next.
Again, no reference to Leica - it's "Acme".
Now sit back. If you could look at the overall picture, coldly, sans emotion and taking into the mix ALL the current variables/market and company-specific conditions, I think you'd be VERY hard pressed to give "Acme" decent odds of pulling it off - as much as you love to cheer for an underdog.