For me the *ist is a great camera but it is the *ist-entry-level. Take the *ist D with a fully compatible KAF2-mount (without Powerzoom) and work it out to an analog camera - that might be the "flagship" in fall.
This is a rather optimistic point of view, but for the sake of all of you and for Pentax, I hope you are right.
Pentax insisted that the *ist is "entry-level" (much to Paal's pleasure). We also know that the D version has full compatibility. I can see that there's place for a *ist S, with glass pentaprism, full lens compatibility and maybe some other minor mods. It would be the next MZ-5n.
Beeing said that, I do understand your decision. All I hope is that you could visit us once in a while and share some of your experience.
cheers, caveman
