A pity Rosco's experience was bad enough to drive him away from Ducati - can't help wondering if that related to dealer support as much as the motorcycle. We are pretty well served here in Adelaide, but I know it's not so good everywhere.
For the record, 34,600 kms and still excellent; just love the thing in a way the Jap bikes can't quite reach. A pity Rosco felt so unhappy about the forum to make such negative generalisations about us all. Of course posts are of a variable quality - that's what a democratic forum is, surely?
As to the 999 guy who felt 1098s were of a lesser quality; can't agree with that! Ride a good example of both models back-to-back, and you'll have to feel the significant improvements in the newer bike. As to the lighter plastic - that's how they have made a lighter bike, by lightening many components.
And the guy thinking of selling his 848 to get an Aprilia RSV4 - I was lucky enough to ride the Aprilia recently, and it is certainly a very special and 'sorted' machine. Physically small though, like a 600. Still prefer my (lightened) 1098S though.