Neil: good catch! Amazing that we can read a dozen reviews on the Internet and there's still something like that lurking in the wings. Of course, each of us is going to have a different shopping list of make/break features. In my case the problem is that I need above-average high ISO capability, and the G1's noise levels sky-rocket at ISOs above 1000 or so. I'd also much prefer sensor-based IS. Like you, the G1 is a camera I really wanted to buy.
Nevertheless, the amazing thing for me is just how close to perfect Panny got this camera on the first try.