Yes, better to have TTI die now then to drag Hoover's name "through the dirt...." I really hope this IS the case. As for Royal, well, even their aluminum uprights have disposable motors so all in all, no great loss.
I just want to make sure that their "Healthy Gain Investments Company" survives and that that beautiful and catchy brandname ends up plastered on all Hoovers sold in North America!
As we speak, I have a good friend - Design Manager for part of the TTI group - reading my copies of 'The Fabulous Dustpan', and Henry Dreyfuss' industrial design bible, 'Designing for People'.
So we may see more inspirational products in the future