Bit the bullet and bought an LX3
First impressions are that its a great camera and if anything, a bit too nice to take underground!
The macro close-ups are absolutely astonishing - I'll post something up later.
I would fully agree with both of the above, though you do soon overcome the newness & over cautious bit underground after a couple of trips.
I've had mine just a year now, it's done plenty of very wet underground trips, I have been careful not to get it too muddy, I always carry a cloth in my oversuit for cleaning my hands before operating the camera & this seems to work .
It has got quite wet by drips etc on several occasions but a again a quick wipe off & it's been fine.
I've just started to take more close up shots using the macro focusing & like you say they can be excellent. I've actually started to use it more outside now for buildings & views/wildlife etc & it's quite capable & just so easy to carry about, it really is an excellent all rounder.
The management thanks you for your co operation.