As a serious but low volume printer (I try to print 3-4 times a month - all afternoon on 3-4 images) I would consider this only for larger sizes, after the "recipe" was well established doing 8x10's one at a time. My feeling is, though, that it would probably not be worth it, for me. Also, I like to watch it come up in the tray, reaffirming all the work done up to that point.
Neat idea, though!
One of the deciding factors for an automated process is due to the large size of the paper coming off the Lambda , as well a critical factor is the new Ilford digital fibre base paper is red sensitive , which requires total darkness for development.
I too love looking at prints emerging in the tray and making mental notes depending on how different areas of the image emerge.
Year 2006-2007 this paper is destined to very few lambda labs in the world. I do think with education at the school level with these devices present on site and the advances of digital enlargers you will find more and more styles of panchromatic fiber paper coming to the market and tray processing may indeed become cumbersome for this paper and as well for ULFormat film processing being exposed on these same devices for alternative printing techniques.
Right now I am preparing to produce Lambda 16x20 black and white negative film for platinum printing at a workshop later this fall.
I see this as a very small, niche market, where people like Donald may be able to capture a market for a automated processor.
Hostert, has just produced three 50inch fibre base black and white processors to be used for this new Ilford Paper and if Jobo had stayed in the Market long enough with their autoprocessors I believe they would also be ready to ride the equipment wave that is coming for small to medium sized darkrooms all over the world.