Despite some reported issues with color transitions, based on the good reports here including Michael's review I've decided to take the plunge and buy a DP2M with a Sigma VF-21 optical viewfinder. As with all cameras I've tried to buy in the last year it's on backorder.
The main reason I'm posting this bit of personal info is in case the following is helpful to others: the Lens Hood availability issue. I could not find a retailer that carries the dedicated lens hood (LH2-01), so I ordered it directly from Sigma USA yesterday from here http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/lens-hood-lh2-01-for-dp2-merrill and it has now been shipped!
The following might be worthy of another thread someday: I have a feeling I'm going to come full circle in my photo life - started out with an Olympus XA in 1981, went to 35mmSLRs, stereo, medium format & large format (everything under the sun from 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x17, SLRs, twin lens reflex, rangefinders; 4x5", 5x7, 8x10 field cameras), 35 full frame DSLR (can't afford medium format digital), and find that for type of shots I now usually take, I don't really need a DSLR, as long as I can get comparable image quality for moderate size prints. Having, say, a couple of mirrorless cameras that provide really high quality, easy to take on trips, and to just walk with around all day, is more of a benefit to me. Hmm, lighter tripod (or no tripod sometimes), small & relatively quiet cameras that provide high quality competitive with full frame DSLRs for 16x20 color prints, street shooting and landscapes with the moderate focal lengths that I prefer (as opposed to sports and wildlife and extreme wide angle landscapes and such). These high quality mirrorless cameras are likely to become more prevalent in the future (although perhaps with very high prices in some cases like the new Sony RX1). I'm beginning to think I don't really need that clunky DSLR anymore; maybe I'll turn it into cash to indulge my ever-changing preferences :-)