I rode in a Cirrus for the first time this past Monday. My client is an experienced Cirrus owner and a good stick. I asked a number of questions before and after our flight about powerplant and systems management and the answers generally started with "Cirrus says to do it this way...", which amounted to standardized rote procedures and settings. But they worked, it was easy, and the airplane was comfortable and provided a nice view outside.
The thing Cirrus has achieved is the perception that you can treat the airplane like a car and use it essentially in the same way - jump in, get somewhere fast without much "twiddling" of systems or power settings, park it, and be on with your business. They've made it an easily operable transportation tool. This can be both good and bad, as the accident reports have shown us over time. It really depends on the rounded training and discipline of the pilot.
I'm an aviator and engineer and truly enjoy the things Cirrus has worked so hard to remove from the act of committing aviation. But I can see the allure, almost like moving from a slide rule to an electronic calculator. I could make a slide rule sing, but the kid beside me could use his RPN HP to almost keep up and not need the knowledge or skill required to operate the slide rule. Yes, I eventually got an HP 34C when I could finally afford one. And that may be the difference in this analogy, as I don't think I want to afford the Cirrus cost of ownership. And then there is the whole "lifestyle" thing. I have some good friends that are Cirrus owners and exceptions to the stereotype, but generally I fit better with our Mooniac world view.
So full circle to my original post. I think the key data in this Baron/Bonanza story is that they delivered a total of 10 piston airplanes last year. Cirrus produced 10 piston airplanes per week last year! https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/business-general-aviation/news/21291428/cirrus-aircraft-scrambles-to-keep-pace-with-demand. A bit of apples and oranges because the capabilities are different. But the point is the demand is there for the SR airplanes for what ever reasons, and not so much for a six seat single or twin. I'll be watching with great interest to see what decisions Textron makes in the coming year.
Cheers,
Junkman