I really don't buy for a second the complaints that moto "removed" stuff from the phone and are making you "buy them back" via mods.
I don't think that's the argument, but I could be wrong. The example that I had was audio. It is virtually 99% probable that the Z is going to be weaker at headphone playback for music, etc. than other flagships. The technology required to push a fantastic listening experience is simply absent from the Z, so there's no stretch in logic there. That doesn't mean it won't be good, it just means that it is obvious that OEM's that focused on that experience are going to do better in that category. It is obvious that they had constraints, such as budget, profile, etc. to work within that precluded them being able to ring that bell - but it still means that it is the weaker offering (on that category) out of the box. Now, as we explored before, nothing about the mods changes that. So it's not that they removed anything, the X 2015 didn't have the proper tech either - and it's not that it's a cash grab, because the tech still isn't available, even with mods. And it probably won't be.
It's competitive with everything else out there and you can snap on enhancements if you want.
This is likely true. As a whole package, the X 2015 was very competitive (especially at it's price) and the Z almost certainly didn't go backwards on any of the features that the majority of consumers love. I suspect they may target a similar price point this year and if they do, yeah - that's a fighter. I also have a feeling that unbreakable screen and waterproof Z Force is going to be popular for obvious reasons, assuming that it gets marketed.
Now here's a very important part. We KNOW that smartphones are nowhere near being able to put out high quality images that rival digital shooters without modules or some sort of similar device. If Moto can execute well on that particular module and get it out there so the majority of consumers know about it, that's the winner right there. Because while lately AC readership has been on an audio quality kick - let's be real and assume that just like the on screen vs off screen button debate, the vast majority of consumers couldn't care less about headphone audio quality. But almost everyone cares about how good their shots are when they take pictures - and a huge number of people don't take pictures with their phones because their DLSR is just that much better for the most important shots. If Moto can sell the idea that someone can truly take one device out of their bag - and if is is TRUE, then that's the winner.
TLDR version:
Moto should ignore what I want.