We compared the Excel to RW and felt the Excel was certainly better quality but in the end, as you say, we couldn't come to terms with the interior "look".
I hate to see them go also. I always check out their models and prices whenever I get a chance. They have also recently been building the new Hitchhiker. I guess there won't be any more of those either. I guess if you have a great product and you refuse to cheapen it in order to be able to compete, the next step is to close shop.