But, Bart, those xmp files fail to include a load of my Lightroom work, so their backup value is only second-rate.
But, John, that also applies to my Photoshop layers, DNG files do not store those. Frankly, that has not much to do with DNG as a future proofing vehicle, but more with the application functionality (and databases, and warts, and such).
If you want to attack DNG with any credibility, ...
Huh? I just do not see the benefits for my workflow, YMMV.
it is far better to point to its patchy support by non-Adobe apps.
Now that would be the day, blame the others for not complying with Adobe's way of seeing things?
Is any of that maker note information really that useful? Really? Adobe do preserve it, just don't use or expose it (IIRC there's an unparsed additional metadata field in Lightroom's SQL).
After initially leaving out some data that was required to successfully reduce pattern noise, Adobe have come to realize that they'd better store everything(?) in their container, even if they do not (know how to) use it. Next someone will blame other software makers if they do not use the DNG as intended, while the Original Raw Converter will be able to utilize the original Raw data file. This will only get more complicated over time.
Currently, as another example, DPP will allow to retroactively correct for lens distortions and vignetting quite effectively, with the data stored in the original Canon Raws from my previous models as well. It even allows to 'de-fish' my fisheye wide angle shots. The same goes for dust removal if stored in the Raw file data, and there are no doubt more benefits we do not know about (I'm sure there could be a benefit for noise reduction when the camera's internal temperature field is intelligently combined with the exposure level data).
I'm not saying DPP, or LR, or PS, or you name it, is the best tool for everybody and their specific workflow requirements, that's not what this thread is about. What it is about, is that using DNG is mostly beneficial for working with certain Adobe applications (e.g. Lightroom), and may be a drawback for working with other software.
Cheers,
Bart