Interesting video indeed. You have a great bike in the V-Rod but ...
The V-Rod was TOO good for the brand. Too smooth, too powerful, etc. Why do I say "too" because the Evos, TC, and likely even the M8 are limited in the dynamics of engineering. Stroked motors are not friendly with high RPMs. That is why the V-Rod is too powerful.
The V-Rod purrs. I love the sound. The German engineering was near perfect but that smooth purr made some old grey beards turn up their noses and make comments like it sounded like a CB750.
So the older riders never really got to appreciate the V-Rod fully. Then the company seems to cater to the older riders and so we see the V-Rod fade away. No final year special edition, no fanfare, nothing.
The "same as everyone else" point is a bit odd indeed. Here in the states if a person rides a Sportster or Street, they are often ribbed by the bigger bike riders. So, apparently there is a H-D pecking order.
Now, you wondered why so many other types of bikes, like sportbikes. Well, if it is like here with the economy, it is economics. Not many young folks can afford the big Harley bikes. Dollar for dollar, a metric is much more power and reliability right out of the box. It is a shame though.
If only the iconic motorcycle brand of America would only think of the children...