I have some M10 questions of my own since it appears that through "user error" I may have destroyed the screen on my present R-09HR.
The biggest issue to me seems to be that you cannot lock the "rec" knob, even in "LOCK" mode, correct? I would think that is a major issue, even if you're not doing low-profile work since if you reach down to pick the thing up and check it, and hit that wheel, your recording could be screwed. Is your only option putting it in a carrying case and hoping for the best (which adds bulk)?
Personally I love the layout of the R-09HR - the giant REC button, the way that the level adjustments can be locked in HOLD mode... I find it all very intuitive and easy to use in the dark, especially if you cover the buttons you don't want getting hit with a little electrical tape. A REC knob, though, you can't do that with.
I keep feeling like I should buy the "latest new thing" if I have to lay down cash for a new deck (though I am holding out hope that maybe my R-09HR isn't really dead... ). On the other hand, other than that it looks better and has longer battery life, I guess I don't really need the Sony unless it is (i) appreciably smaller and (ii) sounds noticeably better. I've seen some anecdotal comments on here, but it sounds like the jury may still be out on (ii) and on (i), sunjan's sizeeasy in the M10 thread seems to indicate that the M10 and the -9HR are basically identical in size.
Thoughts?