[jvanderbot]

Analogous complaints were echo'd against the RPI boards, which are also just kinda meh when viewed from an industry / hardcore perspective. Hobbiers gonna hobby, and the ecosystem will eventually build winners / losers for each niche case.

For me, the existence of a MCU/MPU with better features at better price is irrelevant if I can't get known parts on small form factor eval boards using top links on google. Yes, I'm that lazy, but we live in a world with an embarrassment of really good options compared to 20 years ago.

[15155]

I often just spin a $5 JLC EVM of my own when manufacturers charge too much for theirs. EVM schematics are usually available to clone.

Normally, I can also test a domain-specific subcircuit or two in my "EVM" as well with no added design risk.