When did the Legacy/Classic adopt this single-stage, loud motor?
I have a 2014 black Legacy, and I find the motor to be super powerful and very quiet. It doesn't "seem" as powerful as my Guardian Ultra, but it is a bit quieter, I think. I assume the Ultra has a different motor to push the air through the HEPA, but maybe I'm wrong.
In the wand debate, I'd have to side with those who think the controls belong on the canister. Wands get accidentally dropped, they fall on their own, they bang around in closets. I don't need a fragile chip in there breaking. I'm totally fine with all of the controls being on the canister.
I do, however, think that Aerus needs updated wands. We're trying to reduce plastics, right? They should go back to aluminum/steel wands across the lineup. Classic steel friction wands on the Lux Classic, and telescoping aluminum locking wands on the Legacy and Platinum. But no electronics. Just my vote.
...And while we're at it, let's make AT LEAST the Legacy a HEPA machine (if not the Classic, too). Pull the old Ultra internals (if there is any difference), stuff them under the current accessory housing, and go with it. It won't sabotage Platinum sales; the multiple filters in that machine, coupled with its modern style and various suction options elevate it to a different level.
Maybe make the Legacy a cordless while we're at it, if we're dreaming? lol. Keep the cord winder in case the battery drains, but stuff a battery under the cover where the suction valve currently sits. I'd buy that all day long.