It's interesting to me how public forums seem to invite a large percentage of critics. Maybe it's just human nature to feel the need to put things down that are new or different. Being a new member of this forum I had imagined that the outlook of a photographer's artistic perspective might be broader than what I have witnessed on most other public forums I have joined over the years. Maybe not, at least not in this case.
Ricoh seems to be interested in using the camera body of the GR as a canvas. Along with the prosaic black rectangle of most compact cameras, they try to offer an alternative appearance now and then. Their design team has a sense of playfulness and the possible. Good for them.
I have already pre-ordered one of these. I have a new black GR as well. I will use the green one for my "lost in the woods" outings, which seems fitting with the green color and the wood grip. Considering that the price is really no higher than a standard GR when Ricoh includes in the offer the leather strap, leather case and lens hood, I couldn't resist. I bet that green camera body in the brown leather case will be very appealing and a stand out, aside from the smile that having something unique often provides.