No offense, but I really tire of hearing about how the "bean counters" and "greedy owners" and "making money" are the evil downsides of Ruger and other companies.
Firearms, like every other business has to make a profit. Like it or not, that is how they keep the doors open. The market is determined by the customer. Ruger or anyone else doesn't get to decide what people like, that is an individual choice. The bottom line is if they can't make a profit, it is a waste of time and resources. Businesses make what the consumer is asking for.
My first handgun was a Ruger Single Six. I have several 10/22's, a couple single sixes, and a security six in stainless. Love them all but I see the Ruger handguns in a totally different category than I do the Smiths and Colts. Have a BIL who was a Ruger collector/accumulator fanatic. He had a large collection by most any standard. When it came time to liquidate, he was surprised that many did not appreciate nearly has much as many of my Smiths had. That is fine, just tells a different story about the firearm. I can go to shows and find older Rugers all day long. They hold their value as rugged, nice shooting firearms that will get the job done. That was their market and to an extent, still is.
For me, the 1911 75th anniversary is the only one in the bunch that catches my eye. I have several of the walnut and laminated stocks of older models but that is not the market of today's customers. Ruger didn't get where it is by being stupid and not knowing about their customers but go ahead and blame it on the accounting department or the young kid who took over the company from dear old dad and doesn't know a 22 from a 357. Rant over