Just some general laymen thoughts:
I was in the market for an entry level Canon Rebel or Nikon D5000 but my friend, who is a long time full-frame and digital 4/3rd user, introduced me to the mirror-less system. A few hundred on a Oly pen, a few franklins on a lenses, a tripod and some accessories later and here I am.
In the process, I persuaded a few prospective entry level DSLR shoppers who were on the fence about their next camera. Even my old man, who is an oldschool photographer is interested in the m4/3rd system ...and he swears by his old OM-4.
Some of you guys have been around long enough to take a chance with the mirror-less system(and we thank you for that) so your perspective of the timeline is more drawn out, making the Canon/Nikon "truancy" seem indefinite. To the average consumer, the entry level dslr product line is convoluted while the P&S market is losing foot to the evolving camera phone. This is exciting times for a casual shooter and consumer like me and I doubt the rest of the industry can ignore that.
Early m4/3rd camera bodies are becoming more affordable while entry level systems are being introduced. I'm certain that Canon and Nikon (like Toyota) are just observing the global trend. Like most industry leaders, they will want to perfect a system, and market, that already exists as long as it guarantees them a profitable bottom-line. Let's hope they take that calculated "risk" into the fray, sooner than later.
For now, I am enjoying what Panasonic and Olympus has to offer. With all the third-party support, :43: doesn't look like it is going anywhere for awhile.