I agree with most of what you say, but the new BR version does not appear to be heavier.
The phase one web site quotes the new BR 80mm @ 500g. My non-BR 80 LS weighs in at 550g with hood (515g without).
Really? I stand corrected then! I just assumed the BR version was heavier due to the metal body.
So you belive non LS is sharper? Really?
Sorry, I should have clarified. I said “apparently” because I have seen others claim that the addition of the leaf shutter led to a compromise of some sort and that the AF-D version is actually sharper, however I have not verified this for myself.
Personally I have the Schneider LS, non-BR lens and love it... it draws beautifully and I have never found it to be “unsharp”. The 80 AF-D lenses are fairly cheap so I may grab one someday to compare.