Isn't that gibsons problem though (not their current financial useless CEO problem, but the other one). I played a firebird X, it played fine, it was quite a nice guitar to play. I am sure there are people who love them. I had a darkfire which was another of the heavily critisized models, it was great. Actually, it wasn't great, the electronics were stinky poo and it was badly put together, but it was a good guitar (and the piezo volume was inspired).
The Explorer and flying V were disasters when they were brought out, noone wanted them.
Basically most guitarists are completely neophobic. If it hasn't been around for at least 20-30 years they are not interested. Bassists seem a bit better but still there is very much a 'what type of bass do you play, a P or a J'.
Agreed that gibson shouldn't go for complex electronics (as they are terrible at it), but they should certainly experiment.
However, when you have a CEO who makes the rules and wont' accept discussions, you are never going to have a good range.