I know that Ruger basically bought a brand. Realize, the craftsmen had aged out and retired, tooling had worn to the point of needing multimillions in capital investment. Into this came vulture capitalist company freedom group. The equipment wasn't rebuilt or replaced, the craftsmen nolonger worked for "marlin" who could maintain the clapped out machinery or put out rifles to the standard of JM Marlin.
Now we have the third iteration of " marlin" in 13yrs. Probably going to be better than either REP or late JM. However, for me, at this point in my life, I can't justify the price. It's still a lever gun, in a "bush" caliber at 2-3x what I would be able.to stretch any justification. I own a 20ish yr old 1895 guide, JM, in 45-70.
Bring back the marlin express calibers after exploring the historic varieties made by the JM iteration. Once people have bought their Texans, pistol caliber 94's, and oddball calibers explore if those Marlin express calibers can raise the bar for lever guns. I believe the 308 Marlin express can approximate 308 win; while, 338 Marlin express approximates 338 fed. A careful marketing strategy could see Marlin regain its spot as the preeminent lever gun maker. Be careful, you may be solving a problem, to which, noone asked a question. I recall Starline, put out oddball obscure brass calibers. Apparently, they got say 100 requests for them. Turned out only 100 actually wanted them, so who knows.
Personally I am looking for a 336 in 35rem. However, have a hard time justifying the inflated prices of JM Gen Marlins, I'm not interested in REP Gen. I'm unlikely to buy a ruger made lever gun, at this point a well preserved Miroku Winchester at probably about the same price is a better option....jmo