J,
I don't think Phase really priced more atrociously than Canon initially -remember the 1Ds - and I didn't get burned by Phase, I got burned by my own inexperience and an exceptionally bad dealer. My Canon experience was pretty good, thanks to CPS. Which is why I am the first to tell people to go with Doug and Steve who are known to be competent and honest.
For the rest you are clearly 100% right. A $1K CMOS chip does not a "pro" camera make. It won't contrast-detect focus, tether etc, until Sony codes most of that into the reference design they provide to OEMs. And yes, for today's buyer a used Hassy or Leica S2 or Phase back is a good deal.
However, I think the future looks a bit different with the Sony chip and a forthcoming Leica/CMOSIS chip: I believe the tech cam guys and historical Hassy users are going to get their cheap digital backs. I think Alpa and Arca users are going to be very happy. I think a historical Rollei solution and a Rolleiflex/Hy6/Sinar comeback are a definite possibility; above all I think we're going to go back to a point where a quality MF camera body and lens are high value profitable items that sell for considerably more than the back price.
Edmund
I'm not knocking you man, I'm just saying there is no free lunch. For a non pro without having to tether, a camera like the fuji would be cool, especially if it comes it at 5 grand and the Pentax is hard to pass up, but when you add Pentax newer lens prices, a back body, it's serious cash.
for video I'd love a Sony A7, that shot like my reds, small like the sony and had the gh3/4 autofocus I'd be over the moon, but nobody is making it especially at sony $2,500 prices.
Even those little m43 cameras I have are not cheap when you buy fast lenses to compensate for the small sensor. a$1,500 for the leica lens is Canon territory and though it's not cinema lens prices, for m43 stills it's high.
No free lunch and btw: I've made a lot of mistakes on equipment, usually trying to save money rather than bite the bullet.
BC