OK the negatives as I see them....and this is a discussion thread remember so I am not looking to argue or squabble, just light hearted discussion:
1. Very expensive when compared to existing mechanical technology which has been refined and perfected over decades to the point that even entry level mechanical is pretty impressive and slick
2. Manufacturer specific, so you cant mix and match components from different manufacturers and different decades
3. Requires recharging so would not really be suitable for long tours to remote areas
4. Replacement parts availability, so how would you get on replacing a rear changer while on tour in say Mexico, India or even the West Coast of Scotland ?
5. Dependant on Firmware which needs manufacturer support
6. Extra buttons, Auto trim, integration with smartphones etc. seem pretty trivial advantages that dont offset the disadvantages (for me at least)
7. Easy set up is a claimed advantage, but just how hard is it for somebody with even basic mechanical aptitude to get a mechanical system working sweetly ?, a quick twist of a barrel, a tiny tweak of a limit screw....job done
I can see why manufacturers are going this way, the problem for them is that they have nowhere else to go with mechanical systems, refined over the decades, mechanical systems (even low end) are precision made, slick and even if you go for low cost mechanical, it works pretty brilliantly, however this is no good for Shimano/Sram etc., they need us to bin what we have and lock ourselves into a whole new system and embrace their new world.
I am no Luddite, far from it, ex IBM field engineer, worked for Siemens IT systems for years and doubtless many will buy it and enjoy it, good luck to them, but I cant see this taking hold in countries like India etc, its a developed world luxury item and obviously has advantages in pro cycling....so not for me