I think it is time for RE to stop modernizing. If someone wants a modern bike, they can buy a Japanese model. Most people who buy Enfields are looking for a vintage bike, because they don't want a modern one. At least that was my reason. Bikes are just becoming too modern to be fun anymore. RE provides an alternative. The only alternative as far as I know (well, there is Ural, if you want a sidecar) other than a real vintage bike, which can be expensive and have parts availability and reliability problems. The changes they have already made over the past few years should be good for another 50 years without further changes.
I have really never seen RE as being competitive with anything else. There is nothing else out there like it. Kind of like a Harley. If a Harley is what you want, nothing else will do. RE is in a class of one.
A shorter stroke for the 500? I would like a longer stroke. I never did consider an oversquare single a thumper.