... a comprehensively inferior, deeply unpopular, black AF point system.
Comprehensively inferior, i.e. in every way? Bit harsh, don't you think? As stated, there was no hue and cry over the same system in the 7D. Does everyone really want that dense array of AF points etched into the viewfinder? Think it's deeply unpopular with people who switched back and forth between the standard and -D grid focus screen? Nobody likes the ability to display an electronic level in the VF?
Comprehensively? In every way? Well yes, but I'm referring exactly to the black AF points, nothing else. You can run my post through the Oxford dictionary if you like, but look past my lack of language mastery and concider what I'm trying to communicate.
I stand by my statement and it's backed by direct experience. I've worked a busy daily schedule with 1D4 & 5D3 side by side for a three weeks now in all sorts of shooting environments. The 5D3 AF system is powerful and pleasingly accurate, all the way out to the outer AF points. It outperforms the 1D4 in most situations. But it's galling that full access to its power is denied because of the black AF points. I shoot in dynamic, not static situations and have either lost shots or missed peak moments because I've lost sight of my selected AF point.
Not really sure what you are saying about the standard and D grid focus screen and the level in the VF. These functions can be chosen if required/desired. Of course nobody wants that dense array lit up full time, nobody is saying otherwise. We just need to keep track of our selected AF point. Red has always worked, and works "comprehensively" better than black.
Yes, the black can be tolerated, but as my Uncle Bob once told me, "Why not travel first class?" Ahem....it's a metaphor.
PW