Thx Gradient and TomDart you have answered as I would if I were here. 

Nikon does have spot metering. I consider their matrix metering to be very good compared with others which is why I put it as an advantage. The list of advantages was not exhaustive just to illustrate a point that all cameras do have their advantages it depends if these are of benifit to the buyer if they are useful or not.

RAW software is a whole new choice but as Gradient has said you can shoot high quality Jpegs while you get used to the camera and these will of a very high quality and print large from the types of camera you are considering.

I wouldn't put too much weight on the sensor size issues, again there are advantages to all sizes and types.  

And every one said, 'If we only live,
We too will go to sea in a Sieve,---
To the hills of the Chankly Bore!'
Far and few, far and few, Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
Their heads are green, and their hands are blue, And they went to sea in a Sieve.

Edward Lear
http://www.nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/jumblies.html