Which auto do you own?
I've been nothing but impressed with my M&P40
The Sigma series is just made for a down market that competes with Hi-Point and the like.
A decade ago I won a 457 at a match...couldn’t sell that POS fast enough. About five years ago I gave the S&W1911Sc a try. Then another. Then I switched to M&P pistols for carry. Then I started buying their ARs. More recently bought the MP-15 .22 rifle. (Nothing but fun!) I’ve certainly done my part!
I think the author of the piece nailed it...they’re leaving their core competency.