Ruger has an uncanny ability to figure out what the American market wants. And they always have. And then they provide it for a reasonable price. If they happen to borrow heavily these days from other designs, well, they do that probably as well as anyone.
The Walther (Umarex built) PK380 is selling quite well for the reasons already mentioned (very easy slide manipulation in a larger, heavier more shootable frame size resulting in less felt recoil) in a modestly acceptable defense cartridge offering. Not everyone wants to shoot 9mm+P or .40 SW and they have good reasons for it.
So why shouldn't Ruger offer something similar to the PK380? It is altogether different than the LCP as the LCP provides none of these desirable features. What's more, the recoil of the LCP is oppressive to those sensitive to it, to say nothing of its ability to deliver consistent, accurate fire in the hands of most shooters. The LCP is a pocket gun. Beyond that, there's not much to recommend it. The day I might have to use an LCP would be the day I wished I had something more substantial that would deliver the goods, like a 1908 Colt, for example, to say nothing of maybe a Sig 238.
I might recommend the new Ruger or the Umarex to an older lady friend, who lacks now the hand strength she once had to adequately work the typical auto slide. She now relies on a Beretta Tomcat, and in .32 ACP for crying out loud. Although loading is easy with the tip up barrel, she can't tap-rack that pathetic little thing any better than any other auto.
Its likely to be easier to shoot well than the Walther PP or the Bersa since it will have a better grip and much better sights, more the likes of the CZ 83 or the Beretta Cheetah, but without the weight and the fat grip.
It won't be for everyone. Glock already has that covered, right? But I will bet you it sells. Let's just hope its more reliable than the Umarex.