Thank you for your interesting proposal, LCT, but I think the Leica community is far too intelligent to let prices on used gear depend on exchanges of opinion between a couple of Leica nerds on a Leica Forum!
Guy, I agree with you that the key is the ROM contact. I don't think Leica would like to have to change bayonets on all old lenses for many years to come. And, I remember that when the ROM contact was introduced, LFI described the function of the various contact points, and I noted that to my mind it seemed that Leica had reserved 2 contacts for future use, probably in connection with lenses with built in Auto Focus.
So new lenses would probably use the existing ROM contact as interface, whether an AF-function or just Focus confirmation be built in into future lenses.
There have, however, been many strange rumours on different Forums about the R10. One of the rumours that have had the longest life is the idea that the R10 would not only become full frame but go even further, e.g. 36 x 36 or 40 x 30. Perhaps Leica's earlier take over of Sinar may have added to this rumour.
However, I do not think, Leica would really benefit from going further than the format - 24 x 36 - for which they set the world standard (socalled Full Frame). And Leica has always taken one step at a time - often some time after every body else. so why should they take an enormous risk this time and do something completely fifferent from all other big brands? Leica needs a safe success also with the R in order to survive and cannot afford unnecessary risks.