Some interesting replies, thanks.
Erik, your comment that a Nikon 8000 would be 'fine' doesn't tempt me too much. I have an M6 and an Xpan and I'd rather not scan images on anything other than the best - which probably means getting selected images done every now and then by my local pro lab.
Alan, you mentioned workflow. Well I thought I alluded to that in my original post. I agree with you. I have a stack of images from my last two trips that I haven't done anything with yet. On top of that, as I said, I find it hard to scan images to the standard I want. I assume, from what I've read, that obtaining natural looking images from a 1DS is easier. I think digital would also improve my results. I recently got up at 5am to photograph a hill top village in France. The conditions were very difficult. I had not realised how shadowy the buildings were going to be at dawn. The village was flanked by mountains which were snow capped. They were reflecting reds, oranges and flashes of silver, which is why I was there.
I took my light readings from the darkest points of the village and when the camera was positioned, to frame the picture how I wanted it, the light readings were 2 or 3 stops too bright.
I thought that would work, but no. Even over compensating and bracketing. Two hours and two rolls of film later and the village is too dark in every single shot. Of course with digital you can see instant results.
Finally Dale. I thought I was going to fall out with you. Your opening comments were a bit simplistic, I haven't jumped on the bandwagon, I haven't got rid of my film cameras. My reasons for contemplating converting have been carefully thought through but I'm still undecided, hence this thread.
The rest of your contribution was very interesting however and it eased my mind on a few issues and made me feel a bit more positive on the future of film cameras.
Incidentally, the same rush to digital happened about 20 years ago in the music biz (where I work). Since then everybody's been trying to make digital sound analogue. Although digital is cheaper and more convenient, the jury is very much still out as to whether it matches the warmth of analogue - whether it be tape, vinyl or electronic circuits.
I wonder if people will be paying a premium for Leica's and hassy's in 10 years time to try and recapture the magic of film.