Tom, I think that it is part of evolution in design and the need to create a new market. Have a look at the new Big Agnes Fly Creek with the double Boa tensioned. Clever, but I can do that with my Contrail by lifting the pole up an inch or so....
As it happens, I am slowly collecting tents of various designs. My latest is the Luxe Speedup (it won a prize at the Nanjing show), a design that I suggested to Luxe. This one only needs two pegs to stand up, so minimalist but very versatile .
In my opinion the next leap in design will come when carbon nanotubes and laminates like Cuben fiber become more affordable.
Franco