yet I can't for-see optical media suddenly being dropped by the planet when the first decent solution is available.
Depends on how "decent" it is. VHS was obliterated by DVD over the span of only a few years. And, CDs are taking mighty hits in the face of digital music download.
You quote numbers for what's better, etc.; bitrates and all that. I submit that many, possibly most, consumers don't care; it's convenience they care the most about.