I think the demand for .32 is much greater than most people and manufacturers believe. For instance, the VZ-61s in .32 are consistently out of stock and, when in stock, seem to sell out faster than their 9x18, .380, and .22 counterparts. Additionally, when importers received the Beretta 81s in the summer/fall of 2019, they sold like hot cakes.
I suspect that the demand is high because few manufacturers currently make .32 pistols. I think if one can make a solid .32 for under $400, the first major manufacturer to do so would score a lot of customers.
Also, people lament about how the cost of .32 is more than 9mm. While true, I do not believe it is due to the materials being more expensive as .32 uses less brass, less bullet, less powder, the same primer, and is lighter and smaller (cheaper shipping/storage). I suspect it is more expensive because there are less guns chambered in it so the cost savings associated with bulk manufacturing of ammo is not as realized with .32 as with 9mm. It is sort of a self licking ice cream cone in the sense that if there were more .32 guns, there would be a greater demand for .32 ammo which would likely result in manufacturers increasing their .32 ammo production, eventually saturating the market with .32 ammo, reducing the price of .32 and making it more appealing for one to buy a .32 pistol and thereby, continuing the cycle and driving cost lower.
But what do I know?
And I agree with one of the other members regarding the .22 LCP. I thought it was a silly idea. For me .22 is great as a target gun, a plinker, or small game round. I do not find it suitable for self defense which (combine with concealed carry) is the primary reason for the LCP. To me, if I wanted a .22 plinker, I’d get something like an M&P22 or Taurus TX22. If I wanted a target gun, I’d get a Ruger MKIV. If I wanted a super small concealed carry gun, I’d get a .25 or .32 or .380 or other centerfire. Im not faulting anyone who bought a .22 LCP, but it just doesn’t appeal to me personally. However, I think it illustrates how there are demands for guns and variants and calibers outside of what the Internet says.