Glen, the flip side of this is that the 10xx, 11xx, and 12xx
models have been updated since Gitzo's technology was copied by Benro (e.g. I haven't seen any Benro
models with ALR).
There's a rumour that the 13xx
models might get similar upgrades in the approaching future, but when that might be and where it might fit into their pricing schemes is unclear.
Personally I'm not fussed by a possible upgrade, I'm busy enjoying my G1348 (although last week I also bought a Feisol CT-3402N for those times when I need a tiny tripod). Gitzo, Manfrotto, Feisol and Benro aren't the only players in the CF tripod market. But they each have a range of
models with different features, and that can only be a good thing for us customers!