This has been done before, but I am game.
It is only a matter of time before the SS brigade jump in and argue neither system is ideal, and we all should discard gearing completely.
Purely based on logic, I would agree the ideal is to conceal any part of the cycle that might become inefficient due to the conditions.
Preferably an entirely sealed system, from the front to the back.
Hub gears and bottom bracket internal gears seem to be the way forward, retaining chain drive for its efficiency.
It is a question of materials and design changes to make things lighter. I am sure that we shall see huge improvements in this area soon.
Meanwhile classic dérailleur systems offer a lightweight alternative to what are still heavy and expensive systems.
I haven't heard of Rohloff being unreliable; in fact quite the opposite. I wouldn't consider one for an extended touring bike though, as the only problems I have ever had with dérailleurs have been easily amended on the road, and carrying complete spares is a matter of a few hundred grams. My interest in sealed systems is for true off road riding, that is where the advantages should shine through. That, and town bikes/cruisers where ease of use and convenience of low maintenance come into play. The price must come down though.
I don't see the tandem evolution of dérailleurs as illogical, for the foreseeable future they are the sensible alternative for most of us.
One other thing. I just don't want my bike, especially touring, to have such an obvious expensive item on it.
Insurance sorts out a new bike. I have other bikes though, I just don't want to be inconvenienced and anything that adds to the desirability for a thief is out for me.
Besides, scratched up old XT or XTR is light and highly efficient.
