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I think it's a combination of both. The key is understanding how you work, what kind of photos you like to take and finding the camera that is right for you.

Not too long ago I was looking into getting a second camera. I already had a D300. I was considering adding a D3/D700, or something different.

I considered the shortcomings of my current gear...technically very few. I considered my dissatisfaction with my gear....primarily weight/size/convenience.

I looked at the options in other cameras and considered their weaknesses. I realized that I seldom use flash, seldom work in low light, seldom desire to get very shallow DOF (more often I try for greater DOF, or something in the middle) and that the vast majority of my pics are taken between 25 and 150mm (and it isn't due to a lack of lenses I have available). I studied "my photography", what I like to do, how I like to do it, and my overall style....I picked a camera to fit that.

So I bought a Canon G-10. This camera is a compliment to my other gear. It makes many things much easier than the DSLR, or even possible where it is not with the DSLR (i.e. draws less attention/ it is not a "pro" camera). It fit's my style and my photography 80-90% of the time, and I could probably adapt to increase that (but I don't need to). I've honestly considered ditching the DSLR entirely, but I won't. There are times where the limitations are just too great and I'd be really disappointed with the G-10. But it does kill me that I have probably 10x the money invested for 15% of my photography. And even when I'm carrying the D300 I have the G-10 along. (sure beats trying to swap out a 500mm lens to get a wider shot.)

Unfortunately, in order to be able to make these types of evaluations/decisions. You have to have developed something of an overall style, which means you have to have been taking photographs for quite some time already. And you have to be able to get away from being "gear focused" which is harder than it might seem.