For me, it came down to: A new, but lessor quality pen for ~$350 or an original but not new "51" that is a very high quality pen for ~ $100 for a nice pedestrian version. I went with the original and would every time. Now if they would have sold the 100 for around $35.00 - that would have encouraged me.

I always thought the 100's price was too high. That, and the reports of finish quality/performance problems kept me away. If it had sold around the $125 range, I might have bought one. Someday, I might be able to afford both a good 51 and a 100.

Parker's attempt to remake the legendary 51 with the Parker 100 failed in the marketplace. Given the understanding that the 51 is a better pen...

Were the 100's "limitations" really why it failed, or is the market for a modern "51" just not there?
What is the perception of this pen in the minds of everyone here?
Should Parker try again with an improved, more upscale version of the 100? Or a cheaper model? Or not bother?

Lots of questions only intended to launch interesting discussion.

I'm afraid that handwriting will be taught in elementary schools less and less from now on. From my perspective, since public schools are struggling to meet budgets, and digital alternatives to classic handwriting are becoming the standard (if not already), I would propose that traditional handwriting (using fountain pens with instruction on their unique qualities) could be taught as a college elective course. Students taking such a course would be actively receptive to learning how to write well, and how to use fountain pens properly. I'm sure some manufacturer would be willing to provide their pens at a "student" price, which would expose their products to a very receptive audience in their prime writing period. This could help slow the transformation of handwriting (of all kinds) from being a necessity to just a societal curiosity, which it where it looks to be going now.

Thoughts?

It's a really stunning piece to see in person, even in lousy overhead lighting!