Hail Black thx for the welcome and thanx for starting this tribe. You're right that the e-violins aren't outstanding as compared to some lovingly crafted dream thing from the hands of the masters. But since I never get to play those babies I'm fair buzzed on the Yamaha.
I also came to it trying to work around gliches with pick-ups and mikes.. this thing you can just plug in and set sail.
You're also right about the lack of a major e-violinist star.. odd, really..
However, using the crummy tastes of the masses as a test of anything of quality won't fly. It's Britney that's a "success" while many fine musicians work in obscurity.
"Instrument is important, but it's a player who counts" you say and I revere this idea! In painting, dance and other arts, it's a common idea that the experience of the artist is priority over the product (at least in some schools of thought). Why not in music too? Not only will the quality of a player affect the music beyond all else, but the experience of discipline, daring, and pure satori in playing is perhaps even more crucial.
Anyway...
Maybe we all need to tribe.net less and play more.
Be well, Ralph