Jim,
There are plenty of rental houses that have S2's, especially in your area. I think comparing IQ is a moot point because there all good. I wasn't interested in the S2 for that reason, compared to the H4D. Software and glass will ultimately, decide the best MFD for certain applications. I do, however, think that Leica is listening and have already made improvements based on some comments made here. In terms of comparing the H4D to the S2, I've tried that, but if it's raining or snowing outside, there's only one camera I can play with. Controlled testing of equipment is great as a reference, but with changing humidity levels, condensation, temperature fluctuations, things that can really effect performance or operation at all, well then your right, there's no comparison. The H4D is a fantastic camera, but for me, it's limited to where I can go or how fast I can shoot. The option of two shutters in the S2 is huge! I wouldn't be comfortable shooting a pod of whales off the side of a Boston Whaler going 40 mph with the H4D, but I can do that with an S2 and still use it for a fashion shoot tomorrow. Better yet, I'll put the model on the pod of whales and click away! There's a huge amount of interest in this camera and it only makes sense for Leica to adapt. Basically, there reputation for MFD depends on it. Again, these are my opinions and for me, this camera is the best of both MFD realms and if Leica can address these and other known issues then I'm in.
Marc, I have followed the Hasselblad instructions for batteries, but still get a low shutter count, for me that's around 180/200. To save battery power, I have set the digital back to remain off and the brightness, contrast, and sounds are all turned off or down to see if this helps. I mostly use the DB to check bracketed exposures.