1- Is it mechanically possible for Kel-Tec to build a KT-Mak? or Ruger an LCommieP?
I'm sure it's possible since the 9x18 is mild enough for blowback designs and the P3AT and its clones are locked breach designs. Why not?
2- If it was possible from an engineering standpoint, why NOT make it from a marketing standpoint?
If Kel Tec or Ruger built it, I MIGHT bite, not sure. I think all the dissing of the 9x18 is to address the marketing of the gun, availability of the latest and greatest magic bullet self defense loads, you know, the kind that kills the guy before he hits the ground hollow points that can penetrate 50 inches and expand to 90 caliber like is available for the .380....</sarcasm> But, if the GUN were built and it sold, I'm betting the magic ammo would follow. However, I rather like my P11 in 9x19 for not much more weight/size. I got the Radom because it was cheap and I just wanted it and it turned out to be a heckuva accurate and reliable pocket pistol. I doubt a P3AT in the caliber could compete with it in accuracy and know the .380 version can't.
Anyway, I'm guessing it might have some mild success if someone made the leap. Some might buy it just because the ammo is hotter and cheaper than .380. I'm not much of a prognosticator of the handgun market, though. I predicted the Taurus Judge would be a big flop.
And, BTW, what company made a .410 buckshot round designed for pistols before the Judge? Heck, they're even coming out with .22 mag magic loads for my Black Widow of late. I get my hands on some of those, hell, why bother with 9x18? I'll have a 10 ounce gun half the size that will kill a man dead before the bullet hits him! That's the hype, anyway.