RS500 ...

There in lies the point, there's no current volume asymetric that can be compared to a 505. If there was and it had a self tacker carbon rig, I'm sure some would migrate.

 The 5000 was marketed around two pre-production demo boats that were hell of a lot lighter than finished item. With that kind of weight it was never going to be long term.

Clubs naturally develop small groups of the same type of craft if it's reasonably mainstream.

Maybe I'm just venting disappointment as having heard whispers about the 500 earlier in the year I was all excited....

I think the above is the reason the thread generated so much interest, all those with ISOs, 4000 and at the top end of the weight for a Buzz were hoping for a product to fill their need. Never mind eh, just keep waiting.

I wasn't so much calling for another design, as pointing out that if you're going to launch a two-handed, single trap assy boat, why produce one that only works for teenagers?  The FB demonstrates very well that a boat can be fast, challenging, and also carry a very wide weight & skill range, so why do the modern assy designs seem to focus on the extreme ends of the spectrum with 49er / 800s requiring more space & skill than many clubs & crews have, whilst Vision, Buzz etc aren't challenging enough for a good adult club sailor. 

Maybe I'm just venting disappointment as having heard whispers about the 500 earlier in the year I was all excited....

Yeah but that Matt Johnson talk rubbish most of the time . What I meant was that the dominent force in the class has ceased to be Topper. Most of the decisions and control are now with the 'punters' not evil corporate organisations (just a joke for those that can't spot irony).