I wil add my .02 here as I feel as a machine designer that I have something valuable to add to this conversation.
This comes down to if it ain't broke you don't fix it.
If Dillon's sales had fallen off over the last year or so I think they might be looking at some changes, however they haven't, so don't hold your breath.
Second they have machines that are field proven to function correctly with a myriad of ********* pulling on the handle. That's a hard one to get past. They are nearly idiot proof.
From a business standpoint you never make a change to a product that is selling well unless you find in house or thru feedback that you have a problem. Then you fix it with the simplest most cost effective way you can and move on. Also you never significantly change a product unless you are being killed by the competition. And then you never do a quantum leap that leaves all the previous machines wihtout a source of parts. Better to evolve the machine and only change a few things that can be retrofitted to existing machines. There should be no planned obsolesence in reloading tools.
Did you know that the big 3 American auto makers (ford chevy dodge) all have 1/2 ton diesel trucks ready for production with 4cyl diesels. Have you seen one? I haven't, and I was told this by all three factories at SEMA 6 years ago! Some are even being built in other countries. Ford F150's with 4 cyl Cummins motors. Never see them here, but they make em in Brazil.
They are waiting until one or another takes the step to sell here and then the other 2 will respond. In other words there is no reason to bring the product out because what they already have is selling well.
This is also why you won't see a Ruger Gunsite Carbine in .223 or anyother caliber than .308. They are selling all they can make in .308,,,, Why change?
The Dillon machines, and I have most experience with SDB's are some of the best designed machines of any kind I have seen in my 35 years of being in the business of designing machines. They function very smoothly, and if you can wear one out you can rebuild it for either free or $20. All the wearing parts are delrin and are cheap.
All machines have idiocyncracies, but the Dillons have the least that I have seen.
Another confirmation is the number of satisfied customers you have for your product. I think Dillon probably has the edge here.
However at the end of the day it all comes down to what you personally like. This really could become a a Ford, Dodge, Chevy debate.
I would have to say that what the OP is actually talking about is designing his own machine with all the features on it that he thinks he wants. I think he should have at it.
I am not talking thru my **** here either. I wanted very specific things in my quest for the perfect Jeep.
I have gone so far as to actually build that Jeep from scratch, simply because I could not find a vehicle that had everything I wanted in that vehicle. I had to start from scratch and build what I want, the Way I want it.
I am sure of one thing. In the end I will get exactly what I thought I wanted..
That may or may not end up being exactly what I actually need.
As far as Dillon 'upgrades' Don't hold your breath. What they have works pretty well. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Randy