Good to hear APS Fuji is working out for you Louis.
Optical qualities are a matter of subjective opinion, as are different formats.
Personally, I've tried a lot of different systems and remain steadfast in my preference for Leica optics and FF+ sensors ... not out of some elitist nonsense, but because it is ingrained in my aesthetic proclivities developed over decades of use and connection with successful imagery (to my eye), personally and professionally.
However, if Leica (or anyone else) thinks they can tread heavily on such preferences with abuses such as poor engineering, zero communication and ridiculous service experiences they need to rethink that posture swiftly.
I know from my professional marketing background that gaining back lost clients is far more expensive and difficult compared to keeping them happy when they already prefer you. What Leica is doing to their loyal base is
downright suicidal. Now with web based communications, every poor experience is made public, every engineering error or "cost savings material choice" circumnavigates the globe in hours. Leica seems to act as if this wasn't a modern marketing reality.
While I applaud Leica for standing behind some epidemic product defects such as cracked sensor covers, sensor corrosion, and failed AF gearing ... the massively inconvenient, long drawn out, no feed-back follow up is beyond ludicrous, and IMO is personally insulting ... not to mention downright nerve-wracking.
My belief in, and preference for, Leica has cost me dearly. The reward to cost ratio is now well beyond any justification.
Unfortunately, unlike some here, I can no longer afford to cut those losses since Leica seems to be working overtime to devaluate the gear I do have ... primarily the S system and to a lesser degree my MM body (which fortunately seems to be staving off the corrosion issue so far).
My work-around to maintain some Leica optical qualities has been to use long held M lenses on a Sony body made all the more versatile with the Techart AF adapter. The mechanical M lenses can be serviced elsewhere if repairs are needed, but so far that has been unnecessary.
- Marc