Something I read on an F1 blog which IMO is 100% spot on:

Something often said of banned developments in F1, is that once understood no solution can be unlearnt. So while the FIA fights to ban technologies that they feel aren’t suited to F1, the teams will always try to apply that solution in a different way.
Someone is always going to have an advantage when there isn't a control parity rule. Whilst I think it is very early days, Mclaren are clearly further ahead with development and understanding of the 2012 car. Malaysia will be an interesting test. Regardless I'm enjoying F1 2012.