Tracy,
You are absolutely correct in that we have been here and done this before. You are absolutely incorrect on a couple other points. Ground clearance is NOT king off road. Someone with no or limited experience off road may THINk that but, it is not the fact of the matter. I have gone places in my G with considerably LESS clearance, where Jeeps with considerably more clearance have had trouble. Wheel travel and yep, you guessed it, lockers play a more important role in my EXPERIENCE.
I think you are GROSSLY overestimating the effectiveness of the 4ETS system. Mr. Pietschman, who has written a book about the ML, readily acknowledges that even though, the 4ETS system is superior to no form of traction control, it does not hold a candle to the effectiveness, consistancy and reliability of lockers. This is a man with many years of off-road teaching experience, including our militaries special forces. He is also a big fan of the ML but, smart enough to recognize the clear superiority of the G-Class design:p
Again, Bring on the ML's! I am more curious now than ever as to the true capabilities of these fine Mercedes Benz porducts. Now all we need is an owner with big enough cajones to bring it on
The pic below demonstrates the articulation advantage of the G's solid axles, it is more than a sophist view I am afraid.