A very interesting thread and many great points being touched on.
In regards to a 4/4 or model slotted below the Plus Four, I think this would have made a lot more sense when they laughed the CX. The CX since launch has gone up significantly in price so a '4/4' wouldn't be much less expensive than what the Plus Four was a few years ago. I personally love the current iteration of the Plus Four and in person it feels and looks more upmarket than when they first launched. Again, my personal view...
I've mentioned it a few times, and John Harris just touched on it, the market MMC wants to attract needs to have the full package: product, retail experience, aftercare etc. Sadly, I personally don't think it's quite there. Having said that, MMC does have the advantage of being viewed as a boutique brand and can get away with a retailer space that reflects that and not be up to the level of other premium brands.
When they last had their promotion for no charge paint/hide/trim etc, I was really wanting to pull the trigger but sadly I came away with the feeling I was doing them a favour of wanting to buy vs. being woo'd to buy. When I walked into a Porsche retailer for the first time, it was another world. They couldn't have done more, organised a car for the night, suggested we book a Porsche Experience day to get immersive session with the brand, booked follow up commissioning session in a proper commissioning room etc. Was a fantastic experience from start to finish.
I truly hope MMC are doing more customer focus groups, taking a hard look inwards and devising a plan to keep this historic brand alive for many years to come.
I'm now off to see about getting lambs wool overmats for my parcel shelf
