I know what you mean, Trev. But we had our Jackals/BSA Scorpion derivatives/ASI military look-alikes back then and they didn't spoil the innocence of it all (Sussex Armoury even evolved into the excellent air rifle company Air Arms is today). I think the UK firearms bans of the late '90s and the parallel legalisation of CO2 airguns had a big effect on air pistol design. Politicians leading the UK into various wars probably had an effect too...
I expect a 'militarisation' of airguns, if it's really happening, would make restrictive laws easier to pass in the future. But in terms of the number of sales, maybe the classic Weihrauchs, Air Arms, and cheaper break barrel springers are the vast majority still sold?