Fascinating accusation. I don't know about the UK, but here is the US, Lewis is not considered a rider's jacket and Lewis markets its jackets primarily to non-riding cosplayers such as myself. The lighter weight hides illustrate Lewis' target market. The primary retailer of Lewis jackets -- Stronghold -- is a workwear clothing store with no connection whatsoever to motorcycle riding. Thus, Lewis' "key demographic" in the US is substantially the same as FCL, with the exception that FCL targets buyers seeking higher quality detailing.
Not sure about it, but I do think that they are more considered a fashion brand now in the UK as well. My lightning certainly doesn't feel like a riding jacket. It's even more obvious if you look at their sheepskin offering.
@Corsair42 , if you can't see how LL jackets can be improved, I definitely can. I would like to use a superior hide, better hardware and a different lining. So if I ever did order a lightning in Horween CXL from say Johnson Leathers, would that be such a bad thing?
BTW, are you positive, the jackets are fully made in the UK, or are they simply "assembled" here with most of the work done overseas?