Simple, the aircraft was stillborn as it was introduced at a time when there was a huge economic downturn in the US and then as a result of getting another gazillion dollar judgement against them just for having built a C172,, the worlds safest aircraft, they stopped piston production altogether.
An old VFR C172 out of maintenance, flown by a VFR pilot in IMC into the side of a hilll killing himself, son and next door neighbour and his child was somehow the fault of the aircraft manufacturer.
Those were the days when losing a loved one in a GA aircraft accident was the equivalent of winning the 1st Division Lotto Megadraw.
Why keep building USD$20,000,000 dollar liabilities.
Had they continued production it was to be pressurised to take advantage of its flat rated engines and would have beaten the pants off anything else in it's class.
They determined that the future for the company was in the mega succesful transport category performance Citations and the Caravan.
The Citation does everything safer, higher, further and faster than the King Air for the same or cheaper costs.
The Conquest was too popular and diverting sales from the bottom end Citations without any of the transport category type safety benefits.
There was no where to go in piston or turboprop twins in following that philosophy.
They wouldn't comtemplate starting the piston twin line until there was a legislated limit on aircraft age in regards to the liabilties.
When the time was right and legislation was passed, they restarted the single line..
Why are they still building Barons, dunno ask Raytheon. I guess people will buy a brand whatever.
Why do people buy King Airs, dunno beats me, they always have and still do cost more to operate than a Citation