I think the Classic II is underappreciated because it's always compared to the SE/30.
To be fair, the Classic II didn't technically replace the SE/30 in the lineup. Instead, the existing machines moved around a bit and the IIci pretty much took over the SE/30's old spot when the Quadras were released. Yes, it's a modular Mac, but in terms of relative place in the lineup as an entry level powerhouse, the IIci fit the bill compared to the other Macs.
The Classic II was more or less a higher-level entry computer for those who didn't require color. It's actually quite similar to the LC/LCII in many respects aside from its lack of a slot (which Apple wasn't going to do anything about to keep costs down).
Lots of people--myself included--would have loved to have seen a 25MHz SE/30, but Apple was trying to move toward modular machines for pros at the time, not focus on a computer with a 9" monochrome display (although it was excellent for quite a few folks--made a dandy little server in the day plus it could be outfitted with an external monitor). Also, take a look at how many 1991 manufacture SE/30s are out there. The computer was old tech and not really selling like hotcakes at the time of its discontinuation. It was only afterward that it gained its status as a cult classic. (I think most of us can attest to loving our SE/30s if we have them or wanting an SE/30 if we don't).
To be fair, the Classic II didn't technically replace the SE/30 in the lineup. Instead, the existing machines moved around a bit and the IIci pretty much took over the SE/30's old spot when the Quadras were released. Yes, it's a modular Mac, but in terms of relative place in the lineup as an entry level powerhouse, the IIci fit the bill compared to the other Macs.
The Classic II was more or less a higher-level entry computer for those who didn't require color. It's actually quite similar to the LC/LCII in many respects aside from its lack of a slot (which Apple wasn't going to do anything about to keep costs down).
Lots of people--myself included--would have loved to have seen a 25MHz SE/30, but Apple was trying to move toward modular machines for pros at the time, not focus on a computer with a 9" monochrome display (although it was excellent for quite a few folks--made a dandy little server in the day plus it could be outfitted with an external monitor). Also, take a look at how many 1991 manufacture SE/30s are out there. The computer was old tech and not really selling like hotcakes at the time of its discontinuation. It was only afterward that it gained its status as a cult classic. (I think most of us can attest to loving our SE/30s if we have them or wanting an SE/30 if we don't).