Howdy, Pards,
Success and increased profit demands that old products be dropped and new ones introduced! The success of this strategy can be seen in the introduction of "New Coke", the line of "post-1964 Winchesters, the Edsel and others!
Seriously, a LOT of managers in the firearms industry (and elsewhere) forget that shooters are the most conservative (reactionary?) individuals on the planet. Sure, there was a hue and cry for smaller Rugers, but NOT at the expense of the entire line of OM's!
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the seismic activity being detected in the Northeast is due to William B. spinning in his grave!