Is there really a need for panel speakers in 2012

I believe your question is a good one. Why not ask it? I have heard arguments for both (pro's and con's). Maggies sound thin and bright to me with little or no bass. I considered getting a pair of 1.7s but heard them and was deeply disappointed. We added two high quality Martin Logan sub-woofers which helped but the combination was no match for my Von Schweikert vr-35s.

The new Von Schweikert vr 100s will change the concept that box cannot match or better panels. Speaker technology is changing.

Heh heh, Mapman said panels do do.

Maggies miss a bet by not using artwork on their panels. Are they weirdly art-phobic at Magnapan? It's sort of obvious...really...with the option of a large bland hunk of fabric or something visually interesting you might want around...has this been done?

I had a discussion with my dealer about designs on the cloth. he said at one point Magneman investigated the idea, but never did anything further.
The problem with a design is "which design" I personally think some Japanese type screen thing might look interesting. But that is cool only for a certain type of decore.
So if Magnepan offered different fabrics, then people would want to SEE it in person, and want to change it, and I think any sane dealer would shoot the idea down fast.
If anyone wants a cover, itwould be easy to make a slip cover.. Not one memebr on any site i go to has ever mentioned the spouse making a slipcover for the Magnepan panels.

For myself, I do not think of the 3.6s i own as being any sort of problem.
But my taste in decore runs to "Audiophile geek/nut" so it does not matter anyway.

Just my opinion, but the box hasn't been built that can compare to a planar.