Are 4/3 micro format cameras long lasting?

So last week, Nikon, first of the big two, announced the introduction of the J1/V1 mirrorless bodies that will (eventually) support Nikkor interchangeable lenses. At first I thought to myself … “THIS IS AWESOME” … and then I realized why I hadn’t bought one of the many that are currently available (Sony, Samsung, Olympus) … they’re sort of pointless.

The latter models I just mentioned have available Nikkor mount adapters, that means I can literally take any of my Nikkor lenses and attach them to a 4/3 format small-body camera. At first I thought this was brilliant – and then I realized, it’s not practical at all.

• If I’m shooting real photos, I’m going to use my full-body D700 or D300

• I’m already shooting full-frame on the D700, I really don’t gain anything from the mirrorless

• It’s impractical form factor, imagine my f/2.8 24-70 or 70-200 mounted to a small body? I’d be holding the lens, not the actual camera body

• If I want some on-the-go quick and dirty photos … I’m going to use my iPhone

That being said, what’s the role? Consumers who don’t want the complete control of a DSLR with the ability to change lenses – will they use them properly and effectively anyhow? The menu systems won’t be as powerful or easy to access as a DSLR. Consumers who want to spend more money for show (and no more go) and don’t want to buy a solid point & shoot?

I’ve had the Nikon P7000 for about 6-months now. I’ve taken about 300 photos on it, the majority of my photos are on my iPhone. With the proliferation of apps like Instagram and instant content-sharing available right on a cell phone (iPhone or Android) – why wouldn’t consumers just naturally make the switch and slowly phase out the stand-alone camera … the next-gen iPhone-5 is rumored to have an 8MP camera built in … so quality is only getting better. I’m not entirely sold on higher-end expensive point & shoots as well as these mirror-less cameras, but maybe that’s me.