New SLX from Shimano

I havn't had a chance to ride the SLX, but It is a bit annoying that Shimano had decided to start changing and mixing up their naming systems. I understand the need to add the Saint/Freeride line, but it was just easier to keep straight without stuff like Hone and SLX. So now a racer that cant afford XT is going to have to ride a beefed up version that is neither really race ready or really beefy enough for true feeride. I guess I will have to look a little more at the STX to have a real informed opinion, but it sounds to me like a hybrid that is neither one nor the other.