Are the 97a done? Seem to have come and gone.
If anything they have sold beyond expectations, which is why you might not see many / any around in shops.
There are certainly a lot more people out there wanting slightly softer wheels too, but given it is a slightly different market and the wheels now coming in different sizes and shapes, many people have bought them, even if it is just to try them and see what they are like.
The set I have on a board has not really been skated much, but any time I know I am going to a slippery new skatepark, that is the setup I will be rolling on there. I prefer a little more grip and a little less slip nowdays though.
Also interesting to hear that some people are more keen on them than others, which is all part and parcel to having a softer wheel.
My go to is the normal F4 99 duro, but the 97 duro wheel is perfect for a number of places I know and skate.