Mike,
I agree with all the points you make and the proof is certainly in the listening. Still,
at the price points the M1s could have wide appeal to those who do not need all the flexibility and features of the Devialet but really like the concept.
I do not need a phono input and there is no SAM for my speakers (yet?). My decisions would be made on sonic performance with cost only being a factor if performance was close. But others would be forced to make decisions based upon budget limitations. I am just throwing my needs out as an example of possible situations. I think many would find the prices and features attractive. We are obviously already making comparisons between the two brands.
And the M1s come in colors.