Sure, maybe some more explanation would help. Let's consider what the phrase "once-avant-garde cadre" is supposed to mean in this context. What is the valuable

Sure, maybe some more explanation would help. Let's consider what the phrase "once-avant-garde cadre" is supposed to mean in this context. What is the valuable part about this "cadre" -- is it that they were avant-garde and this is no longer the case? Or is it the functional minimalism that they pioneered? To phrase it a different way, is a good Apple laptop from the golden era of Apple laptops (which is good because it is minimal and functional) any less good once many people start using it and it stops being avant-garde? Or is its popularity simply a vindication of its successful product design, reflected by the market? If it's the latter, then I'd be inclined to agree with that definition of good. But if it's the former, I'd be inclined to question whether the definition a slick attempt to hide someone's opinions, and maybe their desire to gatekeep.