My opinion is that SE would like to do the same thing as they did with LV switchgear segmentation and price positioning, and that is offering exactly what you need and nothing more. Problem is that that kind of logic can't be applied to PLCs. That's why they have robust PLC (M221) with sh*tty software (SoMachine Basic/EcoStruxure Machine Basic), not so robust but capable PLC (M241/M251) with very cool software (SoMachine/EcoStruxure/Codesys), and then good PLC (M580) with good old style software (EcoStruxure Control Expert/Unity Pro), and then some other PLCs also for different countries or fields of automation. Problem with M580/Unity is that the price is to expansive if you consider VPM (value per money) and you can buy better PLCs from renowned producers for better price. Other problem is that if you use some of their SCADA solutions, although it is very powerful, you are obliged to tell them who is end user, and then SE is visiting your end user and giving them aggressively offers for future jobs in all fields from SE's portfolio.
With VFDs it is situation that with every new generation from ATV61/71 (excellent), every new generation is just poorer - it's all about reducing price. SE made excellent job in Asia and Africa markets, and it seems to me that their first question when they make new product is "how good will it be sold in China".
