This was a calculated judgment call on their part not to offer a complete product to make their previous top-of-the-line product compatible with a new model.
Yes, I understand that the new strobe can be used with IR control. I understand that the same features of the 580EXII exist that existed before they released the 600.
If you don't see the contradiction in those two statements then there is no need to continue. I don't come here to argue but to help, I can't help you with your angst at Canon.
I think it is quite normal for people with lots of pre-RT flashes to feel frustrated that those cannot work with Canon's RT system and they will have to keep using the third party RF triggers or optical triggers. It is a small frustration though, since they don't have to give up anything- only they can't take full advantage of the new tech. While this is similar on surface to the EF/FD debacle (cannot use the new AF technology/ newer bodies) it is a much smaller problem in magnitude. And less costly to boot.
On the other hand, Canon might have had a genuine problem in making the older speedlites RT-compatible (or not) and who knows, they just might release something in the future!
I am curious though, how does using a 600-RT setup improve on using, say, YN-622s with a 580EX II? I need to make that decision, so my curiosity is not merely academic.
