Hi Jono
There is no doubt, in mind, that Leica had to deliver LV, EVF, video, and so on with their next generation digital M. If people don't want to use these new features, then that's fine. Just shoot the M as if it's an M9. However, I'm firmly in the camp with those that wants this new functionality. Shooting wides and teles on the M9, for example, is a PITA. And I would love to leave the camcorder behind when I travel.
Leica have clearly addressed many of the complaints with the M9, like high ISO IQ, low-res LCD, buffer size, and so on (none of which concern me). But these were easy to address. 24MP CMOS and faster electronics are a-dime-a-dozen nowadays.
My gripe with the M is the way the new features have been implemented. Take the EVF. My concern is not just that it is an ugly bolt on affair but that it is also a very average EVF. A Leica M body with typical lens tops $10k. The rebadged Olympus EVF is old hat and sells for a couple hundred bucks. When I shoot an M, I want to feel like I'm shooting an M, not some P&S (I already have a drawer full of those).
My other issue with the bolt on EVF is that if I want to shoot video in stereo (which I do) then it appears I need to remove the EVF and bolt on a stereo mike. Surely, the stereo mikes could have been incorporated into the body. As it stands, you can't shoot video in stereo via the EVF. This is bonkers.
As some have said, if it doesn't suit, walk away. But it's not that easy. I've been shooting Leica M for almost 20 years and love the stuff to bits. I was looking forward to a little more class and ingenuity from Leica with their next generation M digital.
Vin
PS. Do you honestly believe that Leica couldn't have done just a little better than this (see image below)?