I have gone from the M9 to the M10 and now to the M10-R. Having started with an M3 back in the days of film, I can say without hesitation that I think the M10-R is the best Leica ever made. I certainly don't regret trading up. (Also, I note that the CCD sensor for the M9 is no longer available.)

Yes, without question. (But note also I have other cameras when a FF DLSR isn't the best tool for the job.)

The Nikon WR-10 Wireless Remote Set works very well with my D850:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/911445-REG/nikon_27106_wr_a10_wireless_remote_controller.html

They have been in short supply the past year or more. I was on a waiting list for 5 or 6 months before one became available. It was worth the wait.

^^^^ This.

I use Lightroom for 95% of my post-processing -- easier and faster. I move into Photoshop on those few occasions where I want to do something in layers or use some of those special PS editing tools that are not in LR.

Not sure how you're defining a "compact camera with manual control features" here, but the Leica Q2 with a 28mm lens has a max f/1.7 and min f/16 aperture. Typically, it's the max aperture, not the min, that can be an indicator of the quality of the lens.

I have used both the Datacolor Sypder and the X-rite i1Studio Spectrophotometer (on a PC). Either one will give you good results, but between the two I prefer the X-rite version. I find the X-rite products to be a bit more user friendly. I routinely calibrate my monitor, and I used to generate my own paper profiles. For the last few years, though, using Epson papers on an Epson printer, I have found the Epson ICC profiles to be pretty much spot on -- no need to create my own paper profiles.

Last I checked, B&H also closes for the Christmas holiday, and they don't have their Jewish employees answering phones, responding to email, etc., on that holiday either . . . I mean, what company does that?

Not sure what problems you're having with the scanner, but I recently purchased the Plustek OpticFilm 120 Pro scanner and run the Silverfast AI Studio 8 software on it, and it has worked flawlessly on my Windows 10 machine. (FYI, I also run an Epson V850 scanner on the same Silverfast software, and it's switches between the two scanners without any problem at all.) If it's the Silverfast software you're having a problem with, you might consider giving LaserSoft tech support a call.

I went through the exact same decision calculus recently. Like you, my wife and I are planning a trip to Europe in 2021 and I don't want to carry my D850 or other digital cameras with interchangeable lenses, so I started looking at alternatives.

I ended up with a Leica Q2. Has a fixed 28mm lens, 47 MP sensor. You can electronically "zoom" (i.e., crop) to 35, 50 or 75mm focal length. I have used it for about 3 weeks now, and the image quality is superb. It's a nice compact camera that's easy to carry all day -- to me, it's pretty much the "perfect" travel camera.

I can’t speak to Panasonic cameras, but I used a Leica D-Lux 6 camera (10 MP, zoom lens) as my “travel camera” for many years. I recently traded that in for a Leica Q2 (47 MP, 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens) as my new travel camera. The D-Lux 6 and the Q2 are at different price points so you really can’t compare them, but I will tell you that I have been exceedingly pleased with both cameras. Leica has a well earned reputation for quality lenses.

Yes, the TCS-1000 is basically a sous vide machine, but it appears that the temperature range on the unit has been optimized for the C41 development process (right around 100 deg. F). I've used it several times and it does greatly simplify the temperature control issue for C41 developing.

I’ll add one other point: One other new piece of kit that I like a lot is the Abs-Imago Lab-Box daylight developing tank. Very similar to the old Agfa Rondinax daylight tank from many years ago. Only develops one roll at a time, but it works great. You can find it at B&H.

I got back into developing my own B&W and color film a year or so ago, and I’m glad I did. It adds an extra element of “fun” to your photography. The kit that you used in the past still works great, and the developers, etc., you used in the days of yore are still around. I have developed mostly 120 film, but I’ve done 35mm too. I scan the negatives, and the prints I get are the equal of — and in some cases better than — what I get from any of the digital cameras I use. You can still do whatever post-processing you want in LR or PS, and it is a very satisfying process.

There are some new gadgets around that we didn’t have in the “old” days. One of the most useful ones I have found is the Cinestill TCS-1000 temperature control unit, which makes the C41 color development process much easier than before.

Take a look at www.freestylephoto.biz for whatever chemicals, etc., you might need. I’ve found them to be a great source for whatever supplies I need.

I encourage you to go for it — you’ll be glad you did.

A Leica Q2 -- whenever I can find someone who has them in stock. They're much in demand right now.