sounds like we're getting closer to a Constant Velocity Transmission found in newer cars - instead of shifting gears, it's a conical implemenation where torque management is met by differing the cone (much like a cassette) - imaging dialing in a knob (or even computer monitored) to dial in your wattage preferences when climbing a hill - would be pretty amazing if you ask me...
instead of clunking into a gear, just smoothly transition your cadence/wattage to meet your physique!
