My dad had a “push-me/pull-you” 337 after many years/hours in an Apache and Twin Commanche - only because he couldn’t find a co-owner for either of those when he moved from one part of the country to another and wanted a twin.
He had every rating possible for years and didn’t need it’s “no critical engine” benefit at all, but the 337 was a fun airplane for sure.
Clearly they took a lot of points from it leaving out the front engine probably for weapons purposes......
Probably a whole lot cheaper, and maybe even more economical even for engine replacement and fuel economy.