So let's see what you are trying to say:
Now a chap I know, Florida based, is currently trying to offload his asap as are apparently a number of other owners
People trying to sell aircraft. Hmmm that's strange. On Trade-a-plane there are 10 people trying to sell 1998- SR22s. There are also 13 1998- Beech 36s for sale, but I would not draw the immediate conclusion that there are a load of unsatisfied Beech owners out there, as you seem to be doing with Cirrus.
'dodgy' stall characteristics and lack of spin recovery
I'm also no expert, but I do know that it's a high-performance single. You wouldn't expect it to handle like a C172. Maybe too many pilots have more money than training, and the insurers (rightly) are concerned.
the whole thing is about to blow
What whole thing?
he wasnt aware of anything nasty in the pipeline
That's good
I ask because a friend ... asked me for any observations I may have
If your friend is seeking to spend £200k+ on a plane, and is looking to you to pass on some hearsay and rumour, he seems to fall into the 'more money than sense' category.
Perhaps you should advise him to talk to some owners himself, or to the Cirrus owners society, or to the US insurers - maybe even the ones who are about to blow.That's what I would do.