Funny, based on this thread you would get the impression that Pentax owners all over the world are unhappy and planning to leave the brand. I was starting to think I am one of the minority still content to stick it out with Pentax.
But having seen this poll (still active), only 9% who responded so far are planning to jump ship. A number of those responses are probably intended to send a message to Ricoh:
Edit: upto 13% now... amazing how many of the people leaving Pentax are still actively posting on a Pentax enthusiast site!
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-talk/181504-staying-pentax-jumping-ship.html
Many Pentax owners in the U.S. are understandably unhappy/angry about the extent of the price rises for certain lenses. But the number of customers Pentax-Ricoh is going to lose "worldwide" over this is not significant. Ricoh is surely focussed on attracting a new generation of customers "worldwide", and probably happy to see the back of the vocal minority who have had enough and spend their recreation time trying to convince others why they shouldn't stick with Pentax.
You still have a choice. If the DA* 60-250 is way to expensive, then the DA 55-300 is still a decent performer at a reasonable price.
You still have a choice. To stick with Pentax or to move on. There are some fantastic and tempting cameras on offer elsewhere, and always will be.
If you have made your decision to leave Pentax then good luck and I hope you will be satisfied. But there seems to be a lot more talk and threat of leaving than actual leaving.