First of all, I agree completely. I'm with you that this is where Mesa should be putting some energy. A true-to-form, identical IIC+ reissue with a ++ switch or whatever would sell a zillion amps. A true-to-form, identical Rectifier Rev C reissue would sell a zillion amps.
That said, this is true of many makers. For example, why doesn't Diezel make a Blueface VH4 reissue that's a true-to-form, identical reissue? There would be a lot of money in it.
I think one of the reasons it that players will tear these amps apart. You see it happening in this thread.
- "The IIC+ mode doesn't sound like a IIC+!"
- "The early revisions sound amazing because of this one capacitor!"
- "The old 60s UK transformers can't be remade today so it's not a true reissue!"
- "Marshall put a PCB in this amp! It's garbage!"
- "My '81 2203 sounds better!"
This is just to say that reissues of these legendary amps are targeted at the same players who will eviscerate them. I am also guilty of this. I own two original '87 Silver Jubilees and bought the new reissue when it came out. It sounded like shit; nothing like the real Jubes. So that reissue was pointless, IMO. You can see the problem.
This feels like one of many reasons why amp makers don't really go down these rabbit holes.