Although much has been said about a compact interchangeable lens camera from various brands, the only firms to launch one are companies that don't have a wide successful range of DSLR's/MF cameras - Nikon and Canon have a vast market share of DSLR'S, bridge cams and compacts, and Pentax has just lauched a micro system with a tiny sensor, which won't affect it's DSLR sales.
However, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus now have a poor market share in DSLR's, thus are seeking any way to grab a bigger share as they can't apparently compete with the big two. Samsung are a bit of an oddball and so new to the market, I'm not sure where their share will go, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them snapping at Canon/Nikon's ankles within 5 years, perhaps even market share leader in 10. Watch this space !
So, although Nikon appears to have a system, Canon has patents for and EVIL, is it really an essential item for them or just a diversion from what they know best ?