All facets of technology have impacted all aspects of photography greatly during the past decade. The rate of change has been incredible. I think everyone feels fatigued to some degree at some time by this high-speed evolution.
In my case these changes created opportunity. I can take photographs and use post-production software to license images for commercial use. Some clients want Cloud access and some don't. I can conveniently share personal images via the Cloud with friends and family. Of course these features are of no importance to some and.
Your insight about printing is valuable. I started printing more work about a year ago. I found a couple of labs that do excellent work. I didn't even think about buying a printer because of the additional technology I'd have to learn and inevitable technology changes I'd have to to assimilate. So that's where I drew the line.
In terms of raw files I disagree or mis-understand you. You have complete control over your raw data. There is no need whatsoever for them to leave your possession. You rotate multiple copies hard drives in off-site location such a family members homes or even bank safety deposit boxes. Any Cloud involvement for your images, raw or rendered, is entirely voluntary.
In a way raw files are at lower risk than physical negatives.
As it stands right now photo images for iCloud can only de displayed through Photo Sharing, Photo Streams, or iPad iPhoto Journals, the latter of which can, through iTunes, be saved as a website (go figure). You cannot really even view photos on iCloud from the web unless a Photo Sharing or Journal site is made public. So iCloud really has no "pro" facility and even with iWeb and MobileMe Gallery did it ever. I fact, Apple purposefully allowed Flickr and SmugMug direct access.
Apple's print service IMO have been outstanding and I sincerely hope Apple keeps these built into the new photos app.
Take a cue from iOS 8 as to what we can expect from Apple's Photos app for OS X.
1. It will allow RAW
2. It will store natively in the Cloud if enabled
3. It will have non-destructive editing
4. It will integrate with libraries on all devices
5. Third party app access
So the iOS devices will process RAW, edit RAW, store RAW, all non-destructively...if enabled. No one will force you onto the Cloud, but Aplpe makes it pretty clear that iOS devices haven't the storage space.
I expect the new Photos app to have the same dynamic. Cloud is available if you enable. RAW will be stored non-destructively allowing for editing within Photos or via third party apps.
