This is the use case IMO. Not everyone is surf-centric in ownership, and a V-Drive offers a lot of similar benefits to a jet (no prop under the back, Open rear seating area, decent at wake sports beyond surfing. For me, I don't need the shallow water capability as most of the lakes I boat on regularly I could touch the keel to shore and keep a prop safe from the bottom. I rarely go to shore anyway. A V-drive has a nice layout a good ride, and is much quieter than a jet. It's a decent "do it all" boat for us fresh water boaters. Driveline is more complex, but that's not the end of world for some.
I suspect there is a good deal of the population that wants the look and feel of a surf boat, but either doesn't actually surf, or doesn't mind modifying/adding/etc to get what they want. Similar to buying a home with large rooms, but builder grade finishes. You get the space and shape you want, and you can tune the appearance and function down the road. Combine that with people that never buy used, and a lower priced V-drive entry might do acceptably well. Probably not robbing sales from the dedicated surf boats, but might grab some sales from other "value" brands.
I do agree though, for me, I would be looking at 5-6yr old boats instead of new. The depreciation on these large wake boats is pretty rough in non-covid times.