One concern I have with such a hands-on owner is the succession plan. What does the future hold when, or if, the company ceases to exist, or the owner retires, etc.
True, and sometimes unfortunate, yet our hobby is better for the likes of Mike Sanders, Ralph Karsten, George Wright and Paul Marks.
Is it purposeful strategy to move new product, or the legitimate and natural march of "progress"?
Yes. It is both and each is "legitimate and natural". The successful manufacturer is one who improves his product *and* stays in business. I appreciate the discussion and let's not forget about music.