I actually don't think that is where they are headed. Isn't their objective to get as many M8 owners as possible to upgrade and to convert more users. While there are certainly difference with the M9 to the M8 there is a probably a lot they've learned over the last few years that will help them keep the production costs a bit lower. I think they want to sell a lot of them. Canon and Nikon want to sell their high res cameras but expand their market with the 5DII and Nikon will have a D700x. Pricing for the higher end of that (if they don't have to) IMHO would be a mistake.
Well said. M9 did not involve much re-engineering - a lot
may be on the sensor development (which again, as Leica has mentioned earlier, may have been derived from S2 - we will watch this space). otherwise, it's M8.3 !! dropping Saphire glass is a good indication of keeping things simple and tight. Therefore, does not warrant a steep price rise.
Leica is getting smarter - targeting various markets : to reiterate my earlier position:
S2 = MF - challenging PhaseOne and HAssy
X1 = m43
D-lux = P&S
Leica R is gone , then what will challenge the DSLR market , if it's not M9 ?
In that case, M9 must be priced vis-a-vis the current DSlrs , even if the target is the topline. Therefore, going beyond $7500 is a suicide; more so because Nikon and Canon are busy playing at middle level with 5DmkII and D700(x) - 3500-4000 is the hot price zone - and earn through selling lens.
Leica most probably will attract people to M9 [platform] with a good price and make them purchase new lens - all those wide 'luxes - may be we will see some more discounts there.