The front derailleur isn't exactly revolutionary anymore . . . but it was, back in the 1920's, when it was a very popular way of shifting the chain. SRAM's "new" system is only new compared to those systems in that it provides indexing and shifting from the bars.

When you've got pro teams BUYING your competitor's groups rather than taking yours for free, something is wrong. That's especially true with the pro teams under serious financial strain. It's about shifting performance. And by the end of 2013, the lack of a reasonably-priced electronic group will be a killer. No credible company can afford to find itself in that situation. Electronic has been perfected and marketed by Shimano for over three years now. It is faster for the racers (especially sprinters and climbers) and it is lower-maintenance / better-performing for the enthusiast cyclist. The price has dropped until it can be had for less than some premium cable-actuated groupsets. So, yes, SRAM is behind and is falling farther behind the market. I ride SRAM. I'm pulling for them. But IT APPEARS that they've missed the breakaway. I hope not.

But . . . some people still buy friction shifters.