I think one thing to also consider was the flexibility of the clones from that period. Upgradability was a bigger selling point back then: A computer was a majo

I think one thing to also consider was the flexibility of the clones from that period. Upgradability was a bigger selling point back then: A computer was a major financial investment, and the idea that you'd need to buy another one in a few years because it wouldn't run the latest software gave consumers anxiety. So if you could say "Look at all the slots and free drive bays!" you could convince people that, sure, this is $2000 today but I won't be stuck spending another $2000 a year later.