On the new Next-Gen units we now have products that, if bought without any storage, function as even higher-end PULSE devices, but nonetheless CAN be bought with storage (and users can expand that storage) to make them server/streamers positioned between Mk3 and STATEMENT.
So, in relation to your point 1., would we be achieving what you're looking for if we applied this principle to the price points below Next-Gen? So for example, we took either the PULSE series or the ZEN Mk3 series and offered them as options with no storage (just a streamer/endpoint) or an option with storage (to make it a streamer/server)? This would make sense, because in a single product line we can cater both people that do need a server, and those that just need a streamer - you simply buy the product configured to your needs.
My line of thinking revolves around the "clear upgrade path" type of logic, that many firms seem to be following these days.
This logic is centered around intermediate price points between models and the ability to move from the one you own to another or even an "upgraded" version of the same one.
This model mandates that these intermediate points are not too fat apart, so that the model remains financially viable for both the consumer and firm.
The price difference between the Pulsar, which I own now, and the Zenith NG, which I suppose -to my mind at least- could be considered as the only clear upgrade path currently on offer (since it seems to add the new motherboard (with the i7 processor), NVMe storage and NG regulation, without sacrificing the ARC6 power supply like the Zen NG does) looks like it could be exceeding the 10K mark, either with or without storage.
This would create too steep a price point for me (perhaps others too) to reach.
Now, if I could have the ability to upgrade the Pulsar to the new mobo with an i3 and NG regulation (a Pulsar NG of sorts...), that could be considered as an intermediate, logical and viable upgrade path, I could perhaps be able to achieve.
Additionally, some firms are also using the "companion piece" logic, where a customer invests primarily in one product and then adds "companion pieces" as they go along.
Following that logic and since storage is not a top priority for me, if a Zen mini like server that could handle all library functions and add storage (with either an i3 or i7 and NVMe storage) was on offer, I could perhaps also add that to the Pulsar at some stage.
For that second proposition, I agree, that there are other options that can be considered as well and personally I have indeed often dabbled with the idea of just getting a Zen mini mk3 and use it a server, but since I don't have an immediate need for storage, other system priorities seem to have gained over that solution.
Amen,.to the above statement 
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