for every image that is destined for a 24"x36" print ... there are millions that will never be viewed larger than 1,000 pixels on the long dimension
Those millions have hardly anything to do with LR or Raw processing. You just bridged the number of images people posting online with the number of people processing their raw images.
I see ZERO correlation. I can make the same argument with the # of iphone or cell users to the # of DSLR users.
I don't see a point in this example of use. If anything, you are mixing apples and oranges.
I'm glad you see the very little times that YOU see large or dual screens helpful. An industry has a need, and your personal perspective overrides that need on the error to limit a core function?
Why not error on the side NOT to limit in the first place. Everyone is happy.
Do you not see that professional users are a small percentage of LR users ?
I hate to ask this but, Can you define professional for me?
Then can you help me explain why LR is the ONLY application out of C1 that can process IIQ files. (other than 1 or 2 exotic non GUI usable application). I'm willing to bet that 90% of those users have at least tried LR.
These files are the ones so called professionals use to make agency quality work from your millions of 1000pixel images to the very few who make 180' billboard off the freeway, or the 20' duratran display on the wall of some Vegas boutique.
I can guarrantee you that the 10 pro shooters I come across in the next few days, USE LR..ok maybe a few on Aperture with 1 monitor(In case they have to fit the Apple status quo of "don't think, we got everything figured out for you. This IS how you'll do it"). Last time I was in an Adobe seminar, we were all LR users, and 80% were PC(out of over 120 users...What ever that is worth?)...Just 2 or 3 years ago. Some arguments are so narrow minded, I have to bring up Apple vs PC, ouch!
(please do take my input constructively to the issue, and not personally.Be understanding of how things might be beyond your needs, and how things may serve those other than you. Be open to a workflow that maybe flexible and adaptive. Not restricted).
Maybe I am hitting a wall where you shoot and only you process your own files for fine art work you do and sell on the boadwalk of some artsy town? Nothing wrong with that, but there is an idustry of users, from film posters to publishing material in glossy pages. Did you know that there is an industry of folks that get all the raw footage from shooters and do the heavy lifting of processing these files, and editing, retouching? These are called retouchers. Then there are some that fall into the small studio setting where the shooter also retouches while having 3 or so editors on staff. What do you think we should use besides LR? What options do we have with multi camera systems in the studio?
Sorry, but a few replies come from a very acute perspective, or experience pool... and I can't blame you...You don't know what you don't know. Perhaps I don't know something I have no idea about. Very possible.
But unless you have some facts that say only 15% of professional photographers use LR, then maybe there is something...Of course you would have to define professional for me. Again, why error on the negative.