You're right- its not the end of the world. Mark Watney made it after all
There are two problems I see.
#1 (and in my mind by far the biggest issue, but one upon I think there is some disagreement here): The concept of running parallel systems misses the whole point a Kaleidescape system: Elegance, simplicity in managing media; along with high quality output. Anyone who thinks the concept behind Kaleidescape is something otherwise doesn't understand the ownership prospect of the system. Why else did you get a Kaleidescape rather than building your own or going with something else? I don't see it as a movie server but as a media server.
And thats the problem here. Running two systems fails 2 of the 3 requirements of the Kaleidescape mission: 1- its not elegant; 2- its not simple; 3- 4k is higher quality. Its not really about another input on your display. Its about now you are forced to remember which movies you have in 4k and which in HD. Had Kaleidescape allowed the Premiere servers to tie in- even if it was just as a legacy thing where they could store DVD an BR and still import those formats- you would at least see all your content in one place.
Kaleidescape has managed to be elegant and simple with tricky situations in the past.
I think they've made an error in judgement by not making it easy for their existing customers to integrate their systems into this.
PLEASE NOTE: Nowhere do you see me saying they should give us the new PLAYERS for free or even nominal costs. New players/ sources are often needed with technological innovation with AV gear. And I understand the reason why the Premiere servers don't qualify to hold 4K material- but I think Kaleidescape is really missing the boat when the answer is to run two parallel Kaleidescape systems. It makes one wonder, why shell out all that money for the new system?
Good point about the downloads meaning you don't really need RAID. But this just leads me back to other offerings. While the streamers might not be quite as high quality (we don't really know yet), a basic Encore system will cost most several thousand dollars. A few Apple TVs, a few hundred.
So my point to to Kaleidescape as a long time and loyal customer: When Kaleidescape says: just get another system, I don't think its unreasonable for me to say: why would I spend likely in excess of $30,000 with you (at least 7 rooms) when I can spend just over $1k with Apple/Google/Someone else? Is the new system 30x better? Thats a subjective call but I will tell you the answer for me is not likely worth it. I admit I am being argumentative here: I will take your suggestion of running two systems and save myself the $29k. And when the obsolesce comes I won't be anywhere nearly as upset. And it will be far easier to get the content on multiple devices.
Issue #2 is one everyone seems to agree upon: messaging. The announcement was very capable of being interpreted as no more support of the Premiere line. Why does that matter as you say its just a movie server. I would like to know if I could still get new and replacement drives for my system. I also wondered about the software updates- but I am actually am less bothered by that because my system runs fine and you're right- at sometime they do move on. But the hard drives and what about the store- would all new content be 4k only? Then what?
I find the argument of: companies innovate, get over it as silly because while of course thats true, I would argue companies that don't remember their loyal customers go out of business.