Tim,
you put up some very valid points.
Following your thoughts, you can say, that Celier KISS is "a copy" of Dominator,
or whatever other traditional tandem you may point out.
But the truth is, that real progress is created by those "stepping outside the box".
Xenon is first, one and only (at the moment) gyrocopter with self supporting cabin,
fiberglass (or carbon) monococque design.
It took the car manufacturers 3/4 of a century to get from the "frame and body"
construction to this modern design.
Of course, we shouldn't "reinvent the wheel", but we also cannot just continue
to build gyroplanes as a combination of two bars, one vertical, one horizontal,
and the only difference is, if we put 1 or 2 seats on it, if we protect the
pilot with no, or half or full cabin fixed by some bolts to those bars.
I think you are right by saying that we should point out the good things, not
the bad ones, to promote the industry.
But on the other hand turning a blind eye to some dangerous designs and
negligent manufacturers does no good to the image of the gyroplane.
Long time tolerating the RAF did lots of damage to the image of the industry.
Only now, when they are eliminated the slow recovery and development
in public perception can be noticed.
You vcan say, that the long time "RAF bashing" was wrong, but I am pretty sure,
that, by the end of a day, it was the right thing to do.
Not speaking about, maybe, saving a few lives.