[ericd]

Yeah, a requirement for an active internet connection would completely kill it for me, much more than the cost, so it's nice to hear that it can use local networking only. Also, as you mention, the fact that it's not very compatible with the mechanical switches seems like it would be annoying, though I suppose those can be replaced with wifi equivalents.

The bigger thing is that I just don't see huge benefits to smart lights, and potentially a lot of maintenance headache - I just don't really mind walking to the switch.

An automated blind opener that is set to slowly open automatically based on what I've set my phone alarm to that day, though, that I would pay a lot and put up with a lot of crap for.