I agree with you. It pains me to see how their products are changing so much (for the worse in my opinion). As it stands now, the new 14 LR4 and the Range Rover are the only Land Rovers I care for (that are sold here). I can accept the fact that Tata wants to bring in more money by offering "non-typical" Land Rover products (new Range Rover Sport, Evoque, ect.) but the LR4 is one in which I had anticipated sticking closely to the original recipe. I was shocked to learn that the low range transfer case would not be standard. Also, not sure why they went with the rotary knob, as I think the traditional lever or the joy stick found in the new Sport are way better choices. Otherwise, I love the new LR4 and I will probably end up buying one in the next couple years.
I just wish Land Rover would not mess with their traditional vehicles and keep them more for the traditional Land Rover demographic. If they want to introduce all new models to fill the void needed by the "bling bling" group then so be it, they have my blessing. Just don't mess with "real" Land Rovers.
I was actually just talking to my sales person last weekend about the availability on the 14 LR4 while our dealer was hosting a Land Rover off-road event. He told me that they were only initially allocated two trucks, and that they were not due in until the end of January. So I am pleasantly surprised to see that they are actually making there way to dealers now. Almost makes me want to go order a new one with heavy duty package!