For me, the great part about the D7000 is that:
1. it meters older lenses (only found in D200, D300 and up) non cpu lenses
2. more focus point (though overkill in almost all shooting),
3. and greater speed..
4. Better metering systems.. 2k pixel metering

It will trump the D300s since has about the same features, and lower price..

Though, how many of us will buy the older lenses since its quite hard to find them here in M'sia

and the more focus point and faster speed is good in sports, but.. That is only important when shooting sports and animals.. As for the rest, patience pays out =)

High noise? We have flash guns and strobes for that =)