[Leica] R8 sales

[Erwin Puts <imxputs@knoware.nl>]

Stephen wrote in part:
"If the R8 and its lenses were AF, its sales would probably much much much
higher,  Leica would probably not have the financial problems it has, and you
wouldn't have to defend it because there would be few detractors."

Do you have any figures or facts, or arguments or reasoning to 
support this claim?
How much higher would sales be? 5%, 50% or even 300%?? Based on what 
premises and market analysis?
Do you have facts to support the statement that the detractors are 
dumping the R8 because of the non AF feature.
Can you give me financial figures and facts that prove that the 
current financial problems are due to the current level of  R8 sales.

Another quote by Stephen is:
"Now 15 years later, Leica still hasn't figured out how to do it, yet all of
the major Japanese manufacturers have.

Are you really sure that Leica does not have figured out how to do 
it?  How do you know? Might there be other reasons, not known by you 
for Leica's current position on AF?

Erwin