but frankly I don't see how it makes economic sense to purchase a Cadet versus a Raven 1...
Is it possible to draw that conclusion when we do not yet know how much it is going to cost? What is their reason for producing this aircraft? Is it because they want to end production of the R22? There will be savings associated with that. Is it is because they want to present some very serious competition for Gumbal? That may be a very compelling reason to offer the aircraft particularly cheaply or to subsidise the overhaul costs. If Guimbal manage to get their G4 off the ground, Robinson 44 sales will be very seriously effected. By removing the rear seats, they are preventing loss of sales of their Raven I to any of their customers who need the rear seats for the versatility you have mentioned, and so they can offer it at a significantly lower price. A cheap two seater R44 with lots of luggage space would be a very attractive alternative for a prospective Cabri G2 customer.