As amiable and interesting as this thread is, I think it points to the basic challenges that any camera manufacturer faces. Here, the discussion seems to focus mainly on a transition to mirrorless cameras. There's talk of the ill-fated K-01, viewfinders, and market share. I'd suggest that those are easy things to imagine and debate.
'Mirrorless' is already being done well by several brands. Personally, I have a hard time seeing any significant difference amongst the various brands and comparable MILC models. All of them can produce images that are excellent technically; they all provide features to ease the photographer's task; and they're matched by plenty of excellent lenses. Use any of the current MILCs and you'll probably produce images of comparable quality. Sure, one or another has a better interface; the ergononics might vary; and there is a wide range of sensor resolutions. But today's top-rated high-spec'd MILC will be overtaken by tomorrow's slightly higher-spec'd MILC. And so goes the 'spec race'.
However, isn't this the more important question:
How could Ricoh Imaging/Pentax be truly distinctive in the camera market of today and, more importantly, tomorrow? That question begs vision and imagination. Time will tell whether or how the new incoming President of Ricoh Imaging will address this vital question and what sort of leadership they'll demonstrate.
Quick -- in a few words or sentence, name the unique selling proposition (USP) of Sony. Canon. Nikon. Panasonic. (Hint: it's probably not 'mirrorless' -- they all sell mirrorless.)
What's the current USP of Pentax?
For those interested, here's a short article on USPs and competitive advantage from Ottawa-based Shopify:
What is a Unique Selling Proposition? (Plus 10 Examples) (2021). (Apologies to those who are famliar with this business concept.)
- Craig