Yep, I agree that the label ELA M260 makes as much of a strong statement as Tele USAs promise of faithful reproductions, thus raising the expectations of characters like Mas, and me.
Since I see no point in debating on "good" or "bad" terms and Mas was brave enough as to offer the RFT suggestion here goes my $0.2 pesos:
Ian, place your current model on the "professional" (entry line) catalog and call it ELA M260N (as per say) and make an ELA M260V with an original AKG capsule, AC701 tube, and appropriate power supply. Now, considering the odds this will probably turn out to be a $3500 mic, so expect something around 2 orders (likely to be from a Japanese Magnate), BUT your achievement will be complete, and expectations met towards the standard of your company.
After all:
We are in the business of "CREDIBILITY"
All the best,
A