I can't say whether the R-D1 is still overpriced. Although in Canadian dollars, compared to what I paid, I would be paying a third to 40 percent less if I were to buy one now at Robert White. You can read about the problems in this forum. You can read why people like it in this forum, as well. Because of the problems, I would never unconditionally recommend it, but despite the problem(s), wonky framelines in my case, I have no regrets about buying mine in March 2005. If I didn't have one now, I would wait a few months to see if a Zeiss digital RF is released. The Leica is beyond my budget.
Prior to buying mine, my main camera was my Olympus OM-4T. I had used OMs for 30 years, and loved its size and how the OM system was great for travelling. Although I have an XA and Mamiya 7, I would never have defined myself as a rangefinder photographer.
I was waiting for a compact dSLR system without a crippled viewfinder, but as of March 2005 anyway that didn't exist. The size of the R-D1 was a big attraction for me. The viewfinder was also attractive. With my 35mm system, i primarily used lenses in the 40mm to 100mm range; so the move to the R-D1 and purchase of 35mm lenses and a 50mm has not been a hardship for me.
The L1's viewfinder has been criticized in some reviews. That would be a concern for me.
I don't think I would just want to use a 50mm with the Epson, but you can get the CV 35mm 2.5 for a decent price, or you could get a used 35mm in the classifieds here every so often.
I hope that is helpful.
