Guy,
I totally agree with you that Leica needs to step up and offer truly pro-level support and service. In January 2009, there should be an official announcement of a new pro support service in conjuction with the S2. Not sure what the details are, but we should see in a couple of weeks.
I actually think that besides image quality, there are other factors that make the S2 unique in MFD. It is the only weather-sealed MF camera, the only AF MFD camera with both focal plane shutter and leaf shutter (until Mamiya starts shipping leaf shutter lenses, at least), the smallest MFD camera, and it offers the fastest focusing and fastest frame rate, with the least amount of shutter lag and mirror blackout. The ergonomics are really a step above what is currently in the marketplace. So, I agree with you that ergonomics and other features are just as important as phenomenal lenses and outstanding image quality. And it will work with C1 and LR out of the box, so software is covered. Can it be used on a tech camera? No, but the reality is that those who will use a tech camera represent a much smaller niche than, say, photographers who want weather sealing and compact build.
As a dealer, of course I want to sell the S system, but as a photographer, this is the camera that I have been dreaming of for a really long time. I was in love with my DMR. It was the first digital camera I used that didn't feel digital. The R glass was/is outstanding and the S glass improves upon the best that the R lenses have to offer. I do think that lenses are important (even in MF), but that dicussion might have to wait until we start seeing more S2 sample images (preferrably DNG files). Bottom line is that I personally want to shoot with this system and am just as anxious for summer to arrive as anyone here. I am a photographer that loves to shoot and loves to print big and has a weakness for the best gear. I also happen to be lucky enough to be in the business. I sell cameras because I love to be around photography and talk cameras all day, not because it is just something to sell. Believe me, there are much more profitable things to sell than cameras. I do it because I truly love it, not just because it is a job.
Leica does listen to customers. Guy, you put together a wish list last year from l-camera-forum members for fixes to the M8 and submitted it to Stefan Daniel. 90% of those suggestions made their way into the M8.2. The S2 design and feature set was influenced heavily by direct input from pro photographers. Leica understands the needs pros like you have and is working hard behind the scenes to get the framework in place. I know that you have a close relationship with a mutual friend of ours at Leica, Christian Erhardt. As Christian has expanded his role to include service and support, I'm sure he has listened carefully to what you've had to say regarding pro-level support.
Leica is banking a lot on the success and market penetration of the S2. As a Leica insider, I see how seriously they are taking into account the wants and needs of professionals. Yes, the M8 was rushed to market (thanks to a certain ex-CEO), but is still ultimately a great camera. With the S2, working prototypes were shown nine months ahead of release (Nikon didn't even show the D3x at Photokina). This isn't a rushed camera, and I expect that any kinks or wrinkles will be ironed out before release in the summer.
David