I tend to use the term Coin-Operated.
And people tend to bemoan sales (I work in sales) and marketing, but if the most wonderful product doesn't generate any sales it means bumpkiss when it is time to make payroll. But few firearm products seem to be developed with generating sales in mind. So you get things that must have been developed in a room with no windows with no concern for a target selling price, and then get thrown over a wall to a sales team that is expected to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
I think the market has a void for DA/SA pistols, that IMO would be great for new shooters, but the market keeps launching more and more striker guns. Honestly if I were in the business I would probably be supportive of producing valid variations of quality striker guns.
But the innovation seems too often be radical departures, but occasionally an enthusiastic product developer with an ear to the ground like @
Ben_G gives us an evolutionary product like the A300-UP. They combined elements of several established products into a combination that hit a bullseye. The mold for the forend was a big expense, but otherwise just transferred some existing 301 stuff over to the A300 that was being made in Tennessee so 922r compatibility is simple. Seems like examples like this are rare.
ETA: I think Mossberg Optic-Ready shotguns are significant, and the cover plate with a peep sight is a great idea.
Surely Gaston Glock benefitted greatly from not being an industry veteran.