DougFir - I believe you have been maligned here. In your OP, I didn't perceive any "whining" or debasing of 1290 owners (or anyone's "attitudes" therof). All I took away was that you were inquiring, and offered your personal sentiment about the state of things.
It seems a certain MODERATOR has again sabotaged a simple question, simply because he's (apparently) borderline illiterate - ? Not the first time folks have received reactionary, poorly considered responses in threads by said MODERATOR. I anticipate an impressive trail of shit to follow these remarks. I digress ...
I think the aspect of segregating some of the 1290's technical issues is appropriate, and in-place. I ask (it's a question ladies - not a complaint, whine, or statement): Is additional segregation needed between 990 and 1290 interests on this forum?
Riding experiences (I would hope ...) transcend what you ride. As such, most everything non-technical about the ownership and use of either 990s or 1290s is common. That stated, why segregate anything further? I personally see no reason for a rift. If people want to be "cliquish", by bike model, what they do with the bikes, or by regions or nation - I don't really care (and some on SD.net certainly are).
Regarding "attitude" - SuperDuke ownership is somewhat about attitude. These bikes were never intended for the masses. Nor for those who want to just cruise around lazily from one watering hole to another. That is not to state that one can't do this, or tour, or race, or track, or whatever floats one's boat. But does anyone other than me remember the "hooligan" aspect of owning one of these things? Am I the last person that rides a SuperDuke daily; to-from work; run errands on; and often rip around town because it's point-and-squirt qualities are so much fun?
Yes, the site of late seems inundated with 1290 problems, and a seemingly endless trail of inquiries about 1290 exhausts and other bling. Little in the way about riding and other experiences using the 1290s (and with few exceptions, 990s as well), from their owners. This is not a criticism, only an observation.
Forums are what their registrants make of them. Sort of like "you are what you eat". Contribute well, and everyone benefits.