I think its safe to say opinion is divided.
Of my non-Lotus specific petrolhead friends, it seems to have gone down as a universal hit. Small sample size, I don’t have many friends.
I think there’s two areas in discussion here
Would you buy one?
And is the Emira the right direction for Lotus?
I can’t see me buying one as I’m not a big fan of forced induction. But moving forwards I think it’s the right move for the company providing the reviews are as they should be; and there aren’t too many teething issues. Parts supply anyone? 
Let’s hope the dealer network ups it’s game too.
I think it looks great and it will no doubt have dynamics way beyond what 98% is drivers can exploit. It’s what Lotus needs to sell cars in any volume. Most buyers don’t give a dam if it’s lighter or heavier than a Cayman. I would be feeling pretty sick if I had just ordered an FE Exige or Evora for Sunday drives.
I am seriously thinking of ordering one, I’d want the AMG engine, which I guess will be late 2022.
I think it looks good (from both an aesthetic and concept/use case point of view) but it just makes me want an Evora more for some reason.
To respond to an earlier point too (without wanting to drag this too far away off topic) about the weight /idea similarity to the A110 and lack of sales success with that. I don’t think that’s quite a fair comparison. I believe the A110 has suffered due to lack of brand image /recognition and they fundamentally misunderstood the market for a low weight, dynamically great drivers car only being available as an auto.
Something I hope the 4pot Emira won’t struggle with too.
The rest of your post was spot on, but this is very spot on. 
Do you know, the best way to actually comment is to drive one, which I def will as I rather like it. It rather amuses me that folk willingly put down a deposit without actually driving it. But heyho we live in rather strange times 
Shock, horror… I’m not that fussed!
Looks generic, could have a Honda, McLaren badge on the front.
I know the market has shifted and good on Lotus but its not raw enough for me, I’m not bothered about the Volvo multifunction steering wheel or infotainment system.
Maybe in the flesh I’ll like it?!
There’s a temptation to stick a deposit down purely on the basis that the AMG one is so far away in the future - and in that time there’s a fair chance of a cup/clubsport special type thing being announced which the deposit could (hopefully) be switched to 
Based on how Lotus models usually go, I’m not sure I’d be enthusiastic about owning one of the first off the line - but I bet we’re going to get some corking specials down the line.
I am so tempted to put a deposit down, my struggle is not the car, but how it would fit into my life as a usable car, it can’t replace either of our normal cars and I already have “Toys” for just about every occasion.
I put down a deposit for a Tesla Model 3 very early, but sadly gave up on it as it was so delayed and the version worth having turned out to be double the initial price the car was promised at.
This x100000
Not extreme enough for me to swap the Exige for, but couldn’t get away with it as a daily. Though it would suit many, many households as the ‘third car’ - it’s just hard to justify when you’ve got an older Lotus in the fleet already!
Wanted an Evora auto.
Now want an Emira. But the AMG one. As you can turn it up to 11.
Or in a couple of years, 42.
I placed a deposit a while ago.
I plan to keep my V6 Exige, and most likely go with the AMG. Just awaiting the pricing specifics to enable me to order exactly what I want.
Would use the Emira as pretty much a daily drive and for touring in Scotland, suits me pretty much perfectly.
Should be a very good car.
Could be a new lease of global life for Lotus
Likes - will know after driving one
Dislikes - non round rear lights, wierd large arse, e-brake, touchscreens, dash shape is meh/boring.
Wish - manual for the amg, carbon rear clam.
Hmmmm, do tell more…
RS3 everyday
S3 cabriolet for when it is sunny
MX5 for when the S3 is just too lardy
Elise B road blast
Clio track days (when I manage them)
Mk3 Fiesta currently being fiddled with just for nostalgia
Mk4 Fiesta soon to be a Pumesta
Mk2 Sirocco Restomod fun
1962 Mini just for shows
The problem with the Emira is it can’t fill either of our main car roles which is what it would need to replace, so sadly it in not on the cards just now 
Tip car?
LOL actually the MK4 fiesta does that job, it even has a tow bar!