Undoubtedly true, Eric and Tom, but the commercial operators are telling us something. Their object is to make $, and they can`t do that if the boat is not operable, so depending on tolerating acceptable limits on operation, what ever they do gets their boats working, presumably economically.
We have different needs and aims,I favour the maneuverability of twins over sheer $, and would not put up with the boat looking like a worksite. It`s a bit like learning from motor sport car developments, their are things to pick up, but plenty that is no practical use.
If I can get, and maintain and manage twins, I would. I`ve owned a single, it had no thrusters,and I managed. But I definitely enjoyed the transition to twins. Maybe a single with thrusters both ends would change my mind, I probably need to take a ride on one, preferably not with the man trying to sell it to me.