It seems that most equate a modern day machine with updated plastic.Personally,I'd love to seem them look like the last generation of YZF but it's not a deal breaker for me.As for lightening them up like the 4t's,lighter is better but not at the expense of durability and,engines aside,that's sort of how things are going.I wasn't that impressed when my second KTM had gone to lighter hubs,spacers,aluminum spoke nipples etc.It was a marginal weight loss but I'd have sooner stuck with the old style.
As for power,the fact of the matter is,most can't ride any 2t 250 anywhere near it's capability-unless your name is RC.
Back in 03 a riding buddy bought a new KTM 250.It was a nice bike and was,and still is to my knowledge the hp,torque king of 250's.To me,it was unrideable.Way too much,way too fast.Fun,but not effective.In subsequent years they made it much more manageable.
The later CR250's were generally proclaimed as dogs but for most were a great bike.Not much for bragging rights but they had good power and put it to the ground well.Super woods bike-and track bike as well for the average guy.