the Bav-types (E3) slip in and out of favor in the States from time to time, the main reason is because of periodic changes with our state-side special interest registry. The last iteration of the Senior Six Registry has done more to promote the car in say the past 5 years, albeit to a real fringe-type of personality. This may explain the "snubs" you refer to by the general population. Don't fret though, if you like the cars the pendulum will swing back soon enough and reason will be restored. Here's hoping the owners finally realize they can hurt themselves easier than they seem able to successfully promote themselves!