Reading through all of this brings back memories of guessing what was in store for the 5th gen. Although we all thought we knew better...the Z/28 did kind of take everyone by surprise.
We knew it could be done...I think a lot of people just didn't think they had the guts to pull it off.
We know that GM is subject to the CAFE standards...and this might limit what they are able to do in terms of engines/performance variants. However...with the advent of the GT350R, I think if team Camaro really wanted to answer back, they could.
I can see any of the described "visions" come true. Interestingly, I don't think a 1LE is necessary...if you think about it...anything that might come with the package can already be purchased, or is already included on the standard SS: buy a manual SS with the forged wheels, the 6-piston brakes, and a lowering kit, and what you've got is a car equipped with all the same coolers, light wheels, stiff suspension, and exceptional performance and driving dynamics that the old 1LE had...plus some.