Originally Posted by carpents 
-snip-
I think that, in effect, you are doing the same thing as the 31/1.8 vs. 20/2.8 pano experiment did; namely, you are getting a shot that mimics a shallow aperture shot but with much more definition in the detailed areas. You're also getting more of a close-to-far perspective than if you had just walked 20 steps back with the SMC Tak and taken one shot.
I, however, have neither the pano head nor the patience for a 97-image stitch. So, I can't say that I would ever do it, but it certainly has me thinking.
A 97 image stitch
is a bit much. But it is what it takes if you want to take a picture with something equivalent to a 8mm f/0.35 lens. I'm not 100% sure about the math here as the pictures are in the equirectilinear projection. I know the horizontel FOV is about 160 degrees.
The first sample (Sigma, 35 pictures stitched) may be around 10mm f/1.0 or so.
With the subject up close it gets pretty wild.
Thank you for looking and commenting,
EDIT:
PS: But you have the patience to run a full flanged 50mm world cup?! And yes, the Sigma is cool. And, I received a Zuiko 55/1.2 in the mail the day before yesterday. Rumoured to have very good bokeh. We shall se about that.