Where is the next generation of direct drive?

Cocoabaroque, I would not assume that a "next generation" DD table is necessary to surpass current belt drive tables. There are many enthusiasts for refurbished Technics, Kenwood, Denon, JVC, etc. DDs who have no interest in any current BD table. Possibly the most publicized account on A'gon was Albert Porter a few years ago when he replaced his quite expensive Walker BD with a rebuilt Technics SP-10 Mk2. Albert only replaced that when he found a rarer Mk3 model.

Keep in mind two points. Back in the '70s when many top quality DD tables came on to the market, their popularity influenced some manufacturers to begin building light-weight, cheaper versions to sell at lower prices. Many of those were not as successful sonically and ended up giving DD an undeserved reputation. Also, designing and manufacturing a quality DD table is far more complex than building a BD table, thus most manufactures did/do not have the resources or expertise to do so. It was/is far easier to buy a motor off the shelf, connect it with a belt, and criticize the DD designs.

Although it dates back even earlier, a similar story can be told for rim-drive tables compared to BD. Thus the current popularity for specific Garrard, Thorens, Lenco, etc. tables.

I wouldn't say belt drive designs are bad, I've owned and enjoyed several during my decades in this hobby.

But I do find good DD and rim drive designs to be more accurate and musically satisfying. The most obvious example came from a friend recently when he installed a Teres rim drive to replace the belt system on his VPI Scout. Some would consider this an unusual modification since the Teres cost as much as the Scout table and arm package. However, just a couple of minutes listening to a solo piano recording revealed the significantly improved accuracy and musicality which far better resembled a live piano. Other instruments and voices benefitted as well but the piano provided an easy and immediate comparison.

Specifically to the OP's question, I agree with everything that Sonofjim said about DDs as it was a better summary of points I was suggesting in my previous post.