If this PS3 model isn't to have PS2 BC, it will further extend the negativity that nearly everybody already associates the PS3 and Sony with. Because of the PS2, backwards compatibility has become an important selling point for all consoles, so it wouldn't exactly be reaching the minds of existing PS2 gamers wishing to upgrade.
Not everybody likes to keep every console they own, ideally I would love to be able to do so but practically thinking it's pretty silly to have a PS1, a PS2 and a PS3 all taking up the space around the TV. Add to that an Xbox and an Xbox 360, and a Gamecube, Wii, N64, etc etc, should backwards compatibility not exist at all. The fact is it's an extremely practical feature that should now be really seen as a standard for consoles to accomodate.
I honestly believe if the new package doesn't have BC, it'll probably bomb big time as far as sales are concerned. The PS3 is doing badly enough without having an additional model MAKE people buy a PS2 as well if they want to play those games too.
