I've taken more than 500k shots on a 7d2. Not only would I prefer 16fps over dual pixel AF, I'd pay 50 percent more for it.
I think dpaf is great, but it is not typically a bread and butter feature for a 7 series shooter.
If one were to guess the fastest way for Canon to release a 7d3 with improved fps, this would be it. My impression is that Canon needs some significant time to catch up on sensor readout, so this could be a rational move, if it is true.
I don't think Canon would bemoan the embarrassement of using a Sony sensor, as Sony's new sensors are already out there for everyone to see, and they're pretty great. That ship has sailed.
Having one in a Canon-made body, with the ergonomics and interfaces we love would make lots of us pretty happy, as most of us aren't keeping “brand score.” I mean if the alternative is an rf7d with 8 fps during af servo focusing, who wouldn't be?
Of course, i too would hope the rumor is off because Canon may have a crop answer to the A9 in the wings. But of the three options:
1) Launching a Canon with a Sony sensor
2) Canon's crop A9 imminent
3) Canon will sit around for another 18 months and not do much of anything
... guess which is most probable.