I've always suspected that Apple (particularly Steve Jobs) took A2 users
for granted and expected them to flock to the stores in droves to buy
the Macintosh when it came out in 1984. They didn't. In fact, I think
many A2 users were very miffed that Apple didn't make the Mac compatible
with their existing software and hardware, in which they had made
substantial investments. Furthermore, I think the A2 fans were used to
the "open architecture" of the A2, which allowed one to "pop the hood"
and tinker around inside. Those early Macs practically *required* the
trouble and expense of a trip back to the dealer just to install extra
RAM!? ;)
It has always been my impression that the IIgs was offered up to Apple
II users as a "peace offering", of sorts, for not having made the
Macintosh compatible with the Apple II platform. Unfortunately, for
Apple (and us?), it was too little too late.