> there no reason for our product to have be a fancy SPA, it would be just as useful if it were a static site.
So common, so true, but certainly an argument you'll never win.
> the cli generates about 2/3s of our users requests
This is more interesting, I think -- is that widely known internally? Is that number growing or shrinking? Do users start on the web interface and migrate to the CLI, or do they pick one and stick with it? Do they use the CLI by hand, or do they have scripts to make the interface better?
The whiz-bang web interface may drive sales better, but improving the way the product is used will drive retention. Try to stay positive about it, and keep a wide perspective, but do make sure that what you know and what you think are known "up the chain."
I realize that fancy JS applications need to exist in certain contexts. I just think the vast majority of SPAs out there are clumsy, unjustifiable monstrosities, because..."we have to have an awesome front end, right?"
I want to be clear that I'm talking about product front ends, not marketing sites or the like.