I will probably be flamed but... The 5d mk iii is a terrific camera.
I think Canon camera pricing is quite reasonable, just compare it to the cost of the 1ds mk iii, or the 1d mk iv. I paid $2975 for mine at b&h. and I think it is well worth every penny. Nikon is killing their own profits right now to compete with Canon, and they are suffering because of it.
I have never had a problem with the metering yet, sometimes I have to compensate with manual lenses or heavy white backgrounds(snow), but who cares, That's kind of why I don't use a point and shot. I don't mind getting to know when to tweak the camera.
The AF is excellent. I shoot 50% birds and I don't even have time to look at the focus points when shooting BIF, and when they are stationary I use one shot.
I really don't understand why people go on and on about these little things, just adapt and move forward.