I don't know much about the X, I'll be buying my first pretty soon. What are the chances of converting the '05 t-case to pre-'05 style lever control instead of the electro/mechanical system that they are installing now? I'm assuming it is the same basic box? Would that provide a neutral position for towing behind the MH?

you hate that electric system more than I do!

i dont know if it can be done. im sure nissan tied the onboard computer into the 4x4 switch somehow for use with the traction control, 4 wheel limited slip and locker. a sort of "idiot proofing" of the 4wheel drive so dumbass drivers cant engage the wrong functions at the wrong time.

It's definitely NOT the same box. The old one is the TX10A, the 05 has the TX15B.
It might be possible to retro-fit a lever, but I can't imagine it's worth the trouble. You can see the motor that operates the shift linkage here: (high-res, ~500K)
http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2005/pathfinder/colour/vq405at_4wd.jpg

However, I suspect the electronics and the simple lack of a location to put a lever would make this more of a headache than anyone in their right mind would tackle.

OK, I can live with the motor actuation but can I get neutral out of it?

I stand corrected, the photo above is the ATX14B full-time case for the Pathfinder LE. The TX15B does not have a lever at all, it is all controled by a motor on the driver's rear portion of the case that turns a worm-gear-like rod to activate the 2/4 and H/L shift forks. There is a point where the system is in Neutral (by physical necessity) but it is not selectable.

Well the die is cast, I've bought a new X 4x4 with an automatic and according to the owners manual they cannot be towed flat on the ground behind a motorhome. They recommend a tow dolly under the rear wheels then pull it backwards - yeah right.

Anyway, unless someone comes up with a hack where the t-case can be actuated electrically to a neutral position I'll have to resort to a mechanical de-coupler on the rear drive shaft.

Small price to pay though it probably wouldn't have taken the brainiacs at Nissan much effort to provide a neutral capable t-case. Believe me, its the only thing about my old Cherokee that I'm going to miss!