Originally posted by Beaugrand 
I thought it was understood that a manual dSLR, like a K 1000d, would be a follow-on to a successful, mainstream, all-the-bells-and-whistles, full-featured, full size, Full Frame dSLR. Only after the development costs for the afore-mentioned "flagship" dSLR would there be any sorts of feature-deleted, cheaper follow-on Full Frame models being offered to the unwashed hordes who can't afford a top-of-the-line camera (which cheaper model might carry the Ricoh brand, so as not to offend the more-moneyed?)
I think you're right - if we do see something along the lines of a K1000d it won't be for many years, until FF has become a less 'premium' feature. With the rise of faux-vintage styling (see X100s, E-M5 etc) I think it's only a matter of time before the proliferation spans a small, full-frame DSLR.
I don't think features like AF etc would ever be removed, but more concessions to MF (e.g. brighter focusing screens, with better precision mattes) might be included. There's certainly no way the screen would ever be removed - I think the argument of just keeping image review off and chimping to a minimum is more amenable to a wider range of people than removing the screen entirely.
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