RE has been a "lifestyle" brand in India for a while now, which I think will fit in well in the US. We have to admit that these things are sometimes accessories or appliances, or at the very least symbols that some people buy to send a certain message.
As for the claim that they won't fit in with mega dealers? I don't know. If they bring their big company dollars over, they'll have the reach and structure to provide plenty of good service. And if they open up branded stores along the lines of what I've seen them post around India and England, they'll fit in with Apple and the others.
As for the displacement/power.. again.. I don't know. There are plenty of smaller bikes on the road. While riding the bus home today we got passed by someone doing 70 on a CBR250R, and I've seen plenty of 600-ish dual sport commuters mixed in with the 300cc Ninjas. I mean I've seen just as many as these smaller bikes as I have seen 1600cc cruisers, BMS tourers, or super sports.
At any rate, I hope they bring a stronger support system in. All credit to Kevin an the gang. On the other hand, my local dealer just closed until "we don't really know when" and sold off most of their new bike sales. They're moving further north and adding Triumph to their lineup. They said they'll keep selling REs when they reopen, as part of their vintage shop... go figure.