No, YOU're missing the point
All manufacturers strive for constant refinement of their products. All manufacturers are slaves to their consumers, and respond to their demands/wants/needs.
Harley-Davidson has a good handle on their consumer base, and responds to their demands by constant refinement in all areas that they know their customers will respond to.
The same goes for other manufacturers. Constant refinement results in a better product in terms of appearance, fit and finish, and, yes, performance.
I am not sure what you mean by a bike being "redundant". Perhaps you mean "obsolete". If so, than that is a result of the constant refinement process, resulting is better performance. Indeed, even HD does this, improving the performance of their models in increments.
As far as Japanese cruisers go, the manufacturers are building what the customer base has demanded of them. Sure, the performance is there, but so is the performance in your V-Rod, so I am confused by your comments. Are you denying that HD does not respond to customer demand as well?
As far as "street cred" (LOL) goes, I guess you haven't been paying attention. Prices on older Japanese bikes have been going up. Priced a good condition H2 lately?
There are lots of riders out there who were not raised on the HD mantra. I am one of them. I owned one for a couple of years, and I just didn't get it.
I could afford a Harley if I wanted one, but it would deny me of several bikes that are more suited to my tastes in riding and, yes, performance.
In any case, I suspect you will not answer this in any coherent manner, anyway.