As a guy who does part-time small engine repair, it seems people REFUSE to do any sort of maintenance to their equipment anyways. Usually, it's the cheaper brands (although I've seen quite a few neglected hondas as well) people just run em till they either throw a rod or seize and buy a new one.
now I see lots of electric stuff out on the market, (mainly EGO seems to be the brand of choice for most) which I could see as a much better option than gas to the general public (ie, no maintenance other than charging the battery)
Briggs accountants and marketing team are playing a win-win game in their mind, more mower sales since its gonna be burning oil anyway (and seizing in 2 years) , and more sales since on the surface its "less maintenance" thus making it more appealing.