If one really followed the money I expect that there suddenly being room for a third cleared was no coincidence. Shimano owns a lot of intellectual property and is doubtless less worried with a small loss of market share while it expands this further. The physical production of product when taking into account a growing population with a growing interest in cycling was bound to outstrip the balance of good business practices. No one company would invest in so deeply into the machining and outside contracts to source materials merely to fulfill current sales forcasts. Ten years from now the needs in their workforce could be changed significantly and thus their production environments. Realistically all three will share the popular market while retaining a strong hold on part of the others specialty. Sram appears to be a challenger to Shimano's tech market while Campagnolo is slower moving and beholden to their craftsmanship. They are also a major player in the mountain bike market with Shimano while Campagnolo is heavily enfolding cyclocross into its "heritage." Shimano and Campagnolo are losing nothing in the aftermarket parts market as well as in the rich brand marketing divisions. Perhaps next year I will change my mind when a SRAM coffee table book hits the best seller list. It is hard to speculate just how the global market will divide them but I think some separation is very well a defined plan.