This is really "out in left field" ... but based on what I've seen ML being able to do with Canon firmware, the mind boggles at what a similarly talented and passionate group of Canon gurus could accomplish with DPP (Digital Photography Professional). Perhaps incorporate some or many capabilities of GIMP (which I haven't used)? With all kinds of info from .CR2 files for extra capability beyond ACR / LR?
FWIW: Adobe is in the process of radically changing their business model from s/w purchase to Creative Cloud subscription. There are a Lot.Of.Disgruntled.Adobe.Users. Perhaps there is a "window of opportunity" for enhancements to DPP? My impression is that Nikon users can use a free version of CaptureNX, and I believe there is a much more capable version for sale ... NX2? NX3?
Or not?
uhm. far beyond our scope and not reasonable if you ask me.
There is a commercial product tweaking DPP:
http://digitol.free.fr/doku.php?id=dpppp:home
Ciao, Walter (disgruntled user but not fond of DPP either)
DPP isn't anything close to photoshop. Pretty much shovelware to me.