I am very happy with my 7-55, its just a great TV - great picture and sound. The BR is slow, yes, and I don't use the DVB-HD (I use another STB), and it does a great job. I have connected the following to my 7-55: BM5 (HDMI+Composite), Zaptor STB (HDMI), Tvix M6600 (HDMI+Composite), Internal Blueray (HDMI), an DVR (Composite) and a Wii (Composite). Speakers are a BL7-2 and a BL2, and everything works great, also in link rooms.
It a little bit stupid using the yellow button on Beo4 to control the BR.
We sit fairly in front of the TV (angle 0-45 degrees), and from these angles you won't notice the disadvantage with the Backlight with local dimming.
I have not regret the move from 7-40 to 7-55.
There is something about B&O.....