OS X is still in my opinion the best operating system but is not what makes the money.
If you want a power system that is not an AOI you probably have to move on.
It is sad how Macs are shoved to the periphery as they're not the profit centre of all the iOS devices. FWIW, the Intel NUC looks like an interesting replacement for a Mac Mini. Its hardware config is very similar to the Mac and very compatible.