Think there will always be the same problem with a Mini for Apple:
- it must cost less than the regular model or people will feel scammed
- it will cannibalize some of the sales of the regular model
- it wouldn't sell very well probably
- many people just adapt and buy the regular model if they don't have a smaller alternative
- it costs money to develop and support. New parts, new factory lines and so on.
- this means Apple is basically spending money to build a model that may make them just lose money. Unlike an even bigger model like the Plus and Max
It's all about how many people just would never buy a phone unless it's Mini. How many hardcore 13 Mini / SE fans still exist that just wouldn't even upgrade if it's not another Mini? Making them happy is worth losing money with all the people who would also buy a regular model but who, given the option to pick a cheaper one would take it? So, it has to justify for it development costs with even smaller profits.
After these years with no Mini model, I think Apple has done the math about this...
Think you Mini lovers should give up, sincerely sorry for you.