I question the part about Rega tables being gimmicky. They have had a point of view that goes back a very long time and have been refining that point of view.
Part of it is that they continue to strive to make the plinths of their turntables as light and rigid as possible. The laminated, foam core, plinth on the 8 and 10 are just a further refinement of that philosophy. They could’ve probably sold it without the outer surround, but then the traditional Rega dust cover would not have fit.
The arm is particularly lacking in gimmickry as well, dating to the 1980s.
Rega is a company that is simply refining their core concepts.
Contrast that with VPI, who started with Perspex platters, then composite platters, metal platters and on to unipivot arms, captured bearing arms...no anti-skating...anti-skating....motors inboard....motors outboard...belt drive, idler drive, direct drive....maybe solar powered next.
Whatever is on the parts shelf seems to morph into a new model. Where is the point of view in that?