The more disheartening part of the Wandell era, at least to me, isn't what his regime did. That was expected and to be foreseen based on his track record. The disheartening factor for me is that the Wandell regime did, knowingly and with intent and foresight, exactly what it was brought on board to do. So, yes, the Wandell regime led over a period that performed as described. Just like it was expected and hired to do by the then sitting Board.
If Harley had continued on the same track, as it was on pre-Wandell, considering their past costs vs present, the company realignment instead would have been multiple plant closings & big layoffs & an even greater reduction of their dealer network. As to HDs quality now vs the past - the bikes historically have had issues after each generational reinvention. After a few years on the market, problems were solved, then HD would put out a new engine and/or model changes, then problems would reappear. The long term QA problem (over simplified) for HD as I see it is a history of customer beta testing. People remember the last stuff that was ok before the newer stuff with problems replaced it. Human nature.
Demonizing CEOs is a fun hobby for some, the template is set by media mouthpieces, no expectations from me that will change. The cold hard facts are if investors lack confidence in HDs short or long term ability to perform profitably with a definable solid business model, they will cease to exist. Maybe some root for that as an outcome, for whatever reasons. Personally I prefer capitalism as well as the profit (call it planned greed) motive. Wandell did what he was hired to do. I suspect HD will continue to increase efficiencies by finding ways to continue to lower certain costs. The way I see it HDs biggest problem is not the board, the CEO, management, line employees, or dealers. It's big problem is their customer base is aged & dying & as a group is less willing - in general - to part with the $20-40k needed to purchase the majority of their bikes.
Worth noting: other motor vehicles also suffer the indignity of massive product recalls. Have experienced same on most every motor vehicle I own across a wide range of brand manufacturers. Do I think HD could do a lot better in this regard? Hell yeah. Do I expect them to? Hell no. Why? History tends to repeat itself.