Yes. I agree with that. The approach of Conitec might differ from Sphere. But I still do not see how I can achieve something like that with A7:

A level with static lights and shadows plus normal-mapping applied using 2 uv-sets. The only idea I get is to make the level with models, use the plug-in from Ventilator to access the second uv-map via a second model and write a shader to multiply the shadowmap on top of a normal map.

But to be honest: Isn't this a bit hard for every newcomer? It is even hard for me or most of you.

Do you see any chance of rendering your level with static lighting (you mentioned radiosity) plus current shaders to bring metal to shine, to get per-pixel-lighting, to have specularity, to light little bumps realistically?

I personally would like to have this and I am still waiting.

And you all know that every decent game uses those techniques since every cheap graphic card supports it.