I've been going down a different path testing the Iridient X-Transformer, currently in Beta 2. The idea is not to switch to a different RAW Processor (I've also been using LR since early betas and PS for much longer, but not nearly as much. LR provides 90% of what I need.) but to pre-process the Fuji RAW files, demosaicing them, applying sharpening and noise reduction then outputting a DNG file. Then import the DNG files into LR for further processing. This has been very successful for me. It provides the benefits of the best parts of Iridient and allows me to remain in LR for my image processing.
My first approach was to try to match the SOOC JPG quality that everyone loves. Up to now I have not been able to achieve this in LR. X-T1 files were okay, but when I got my X-T2 there was a marked lack of sharpness compared to the JPG. The first attached file (0989_*)provides a 100% crop of an X-T2 SOOC JPG (left)and a IXT processed DNG (right). I think that the DNG meets and exceeds the JPG quality. You can parse the file name to determine the IXT settings used: RP-S = RAW Process set to Smooth, S-M = Sharpening set to Medium, etc for Luminance Noise and Color Noise. Yes, further sharpening and processing were done in LR, that is the point, IXT is simply a starting point, not the end.
The next attached file (3986_*) is an X-T1 file. It is a 100% crop of a 7 shot vertical pano stitched together in LR. I do not have the SOOC JPGs for this so I am comparing my best attempt to get a nice detailed image. Left is the straight LR and right is the IXT pre-Processed and stitched into another file. The details in the IXT file is pretty good I think. Yes, I could have used noise reduction on the LR only version, but then the detail would be lost again.
I'm finding that I am incorporating IXT into my workflow all of the time now. The steps I use are: Import into LR as I always have, Cull any duds, review and decide what type of IXT setting I will be applying, process the files in IXT, sync the folder showing the import dialog, select a develop preset, and import. I have created develop presets for the common Fuji Film Styles (Provia, Astia, Velvia) and am working on others.
I have gotten some magenta casts in the IXT files that require me to work out, but it hasn't been a huge problem. IXT is only for Windows right now, but I hear a port to Mac is in the works.
Ron sounds a little dubious about Iridient, and if I was looking at a completely new RAW Processing app I would be too. And speaking of Thomas Fitzgerald, here is his comparison of 7 RAW Converters, Iridient come out pretty high.
http://blog.thomasfitzgeraldphotography.com/blog/2017/1/one-fuji-x-pro-2-image-7-different-raw-convertersHope some of you find this useful.