Politics aside, this IS undoubtedly a good aircraft, in fact, it's better than good. It's ideal for the seat segment of the market it's aimed at. But I'm inclined to think, especially if 'good aircraft' are actually measured in sales, that this is already a good aircraft.
Pre-certification sales, when looking back at actual sales numbers at type certification of other manufacturers as the yardstick, then this aircraft is already a success.
As for sluggish sales, I know I'm reluctant to buy things sight unseen as I suspect companies who are considering the purchase of a $70 million asset are. Turning up at Paris this June will likely have a more positive impact on C Series sales.
We'll see. As you say, the jury is still out.
Willie
happy St. Paddy's