This is usually how benchmarking works though. One company will leap ahead making a new product, the other will play catch-up and eventually leap past again.
I just refuse to believe that a camera company like canon will just lay over and die waving the white flag. If remember correctly; only a few years ago canon (w/ 5d&40d) was dominating most aspects over nikon. It is only a matter of time before someone else jumps ahead, maybe sony?
I do believe you though, if I was shopping right now I would seriously consider nikon even though my dad has been shooting with canon sinse 1975 (and now me ~5 years)...that's gotta say something.
Oh yah, me = jealous you work in a camera store.