I'll add a couple of my thoughts. The shifting (with new XTR pods) is phenomenal. More crisp and positive than some of the older Shimano stuff, but far more precise feeling than the SRAM stuff (I have XO on my other bike). I also like being able to grab more gears with the forward trigger and the ability to shift with your thumb or index finger. The derailleur is tucked in nicely and doesn't seem to me like it's likely to do any more damage than a traditional derailleur in an accident. And of course the cable routing is much better. I also like the fact that the mounting bolt doesn't loosen itself like all my SRAM derailleurs have.
