Dick-
Agreed, the learning curve is greatly reduced with digital, so as you say "anyone" really, can be a photographer, and that's where you separate the artists from the shooters; it's mostly apparent in their portfolios.
Marc- My experience with MFD, wasn't about whether the camera could keep up with the the bells and whistles or high ISO, of a 35mm DSLR. It was that fact that the mechanics of the cameras or DB itself would not function. Shutters mostly, but enough to render the MFD a boat anchor. I purchased MFD because I wanted the best and figured that these cameras must be worth it...they are not. You once complained about your first S2, but you were able to find one that did function correctly. Every MFD camera I owned, except the H3DII, had shutter malfunctions or DB glitches. In fairness, the DF, I briefly owned did not malfunction, but I hated the design. Also, the S2 did not have enough lenses at the time to justify the expense, and was too close to 35mmDSLR, for the price...imo. I never said my experience was indicative of everyones, but it's my experience. I just want a useable camera that works. Price to performance disparity is not new, but the Nikon D800 has changed that! Gauging something to be better than another starts with a camera that functions, to at least have a reference.