We have to remember that 1/10 2wd is pretty much owned by AE. Even TLR who IMO is a distant number two in popularity just "Evo's" there platform. Same with AE. That's why people grumble about the next buggy from those two only have micro changes.
They are like an iPhone's. Good, popular but not really innovative.
HB is about in the same boat as Xray. Popular and niche in certain areas of the world. If you want not very innovative but has massive support and aftermarket options, get a B6 or 22 4.0. Well the 22 is quite a bit more innovative over the B6.
I have a B6 club racer and it's nice and there are 8000 posted setups for just about every track in the world. And just about every track there will be someone who can help you out.
I thought about getting a 22 4.0 for my mod car but at $350, it's hard to justify that kinda price when I got a D216 for $160. I'm no Brian Kinwald and only club race and the D216 is amazing even if it was over $300.
My guess is they are dumping kits to drum up interest and give people an option over a high dollar kit. Any manufacture who takes on producing a 2wd or 4wd 1/10 scale is going to see it as a loss leader but also see's it as being important to produce because they are the most popular form of RC racing.