So, not many takers here then by the sound of it!
I think the GR III is the best GR yet - but the thing is, the GR still is a brillant camera, a no-frills photographer's tool. By that token, I acknowledge that the GR III is probably worth the upgrade for many - but I do have some serious doubts that it'll be for me. The enhancements it brings to the table I already own, with additional cherries on top (the Canon G1X III - which also adds weather-sealing, a good EVF and a solidly performing zoom to the mix), whereas the original GR has a distinctive bare-bones vibe to it that I still find very appealing - refreshingly different and eminently usable at the same time, even by today's standards.
Whether, on the other hand, the GR III's speed of operation is noticeably improved (something that early reports make me doubt somewhat) and handling is as good as (or even better than) the GR for someone like me who's not really into touch interfaces remains to be seen.
All that said, I'll certainly try to get my hands on the camera as soon as possible - if only to make sure I'm not missing out on something great. Ricoh have done it before, why shouldn't they be able to do it again?
I'm actually eager to compare the GR III to a whole host of other cameras: the GR, the LX100, the G1X III, the RX100 VI, and the FZ1000. The last two are in the mix because the VI could replace the GR, the LX100 and the FZ1000 in one go; however, from my initial short experience with it, I'm pretty sure that won't happen because there is an annoying sluggishness to certain aspects (start-up and switch-off, as well as zooming); the FZ1000 does a lot better in those respects - and of course, it handles way better. If, however, the GR III feels like a true step-up speed-wise (maybe even over the G1X III) I'll trade in the GR and LX100 to help fund it - that would feel very suitable.
M.