Interesting article though I don't see the Fuji x100v as anything that unique. I think it's largely a case of people following a craze and buying with the heart rather than the head.
The only feature you mentioned which I feel is different or special is the built in ND filter. I'm not sure that makes up for the fact you can't change lenses though. Most mirrorless cameras have a silent electronic shutter mode. Yes it can cause banding in weird indoor lighting and isn't ideal for very fast action but I'm finding I use it for 90% of my images.
Plenty of other cameras with small footprint, some even with full frame sensor. If you crave the manual dials and insist on a Fuji then even a used xe4 has same sensor and option to change lenses. I've nothing against the x100v but I just don't feel people are buying it for the reasons mentioned.