It's not my part to enlighten you Eric.
Don't worry - you didn't accomplish it, not even by accident.
As for costing more, Behmor II could cost Hottop money, maybe even a bit more - the name is already established in our community and that has value. If I go from a Rancilio or Gaggia to a Quick Mill or Alex espresso machine, I expect that advanced capabilities will carry additional costs.
Maybe the market for premium home roasters is met fully by Hottop and Gene Cafe already. I know I wanted a Behmor (V. 1) enough that I passed on the sub $200 home roasters and was saving towards $300 for a new roaster when Dan Brewer offered his Behmor for sale here which I bought.
After using it and trying the methods found on familiar web sites, I find it to be functional but missing some of that user input that makes a hobby more fun. I know several people who own a Behmor as well. Being able to add some heat at a critical point of the roast (30 second Turbo mode maybe?) would solve the baked beans dilemma that happens on occasion. Other friends of mine in the area use Hottop roasters while others use something else entirely.
My view of the market isn't the big picture, but it is part of the picture. I appreciate your comments more Peter when you respect that.