Dura ace is a competitor to this? When it's all said and done, it's going to be too expensive for most commuters and maybe that makes it like "durachi" but if it has any market it will be for the suburban super commuter buyers.

Put a belt pully on it and if its reliable maybe you'll see it on some of the $1500+ super commuter bikes. The nexus, roloff and alfine are all remarkably reliable, just pricy.. The appeal isn't weight, it's durable purpose built commuter stuff. Maybe some downhill honks will like it but I've seen a whole lot of those guys just riding single speeds any more