o.k., got it.  some modulation of (reflection/softness  and specular/blur) function(s) to account for large diffuse and small specular emitters, respectively.  I don't hear the sound of exploding heads - surely a good sign I agree - they're gonna be lining up to buy this, once released at rdna.  this is one of the reasons why I didn't think it was necessary for you-know-who to add indirect specular yet.