A) I'm not sure those purists would line up with cash to buy a 2 door body on frame SUV, so I call BS on that mattering at all (EDIT: and furthermore, they are also probably not in the demographic for this Blazer, so why should GM care at all whether they approve of the nameplate use??). There is actually no precedent or indicator that a market exists for a 2 door body on frame SUV. There IS a market for "off-road" type pickup trucks, and GM has a good offering in the midsize segment. Aside from the bed, the important aspect is, the pickups also typically have 4 doors. Most people want 4 or more doors on their vehicles, even while they can also be considered frivolous purchases (i.e. a Raptor). Anyway, historically, the vehicle we would be talking about would be a 2 door Tahoe. I do not see that fitting anywhere in the market. The last fullsize 2 door SUVs were around in the 95-96 timeframe, over 20 years ago. SUVs didn't really take off in the first place UNTIL they had 4 doors!!Purists may insist that the iconic Blazer badge should only be applied to a traditional SUV and not a crossover, but they'll be trampled by consumers happy that Chevy finally competes head on with the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Compared to those rivals, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer offers a unique design—that much is clear. But how much substance backs up the 2019 Blazer's style? We drove the new two-row model to find out.
B) This IS a "Blazer" in the sense of the S-10 Blazer and Trailblazer which, aside from being body on frame, was a midsize family-type vehicle, way more than a K-5 Blazer ever was, with its solid front axle and "modest" interior appointments. The emphasis was on street manners and practicality more than some kind of off-road fashion statement. Just like the new one. Fun fact: "Tahoe" was a trim on the S-10 Blazer before it was its own model.
The S-10 Blazer and Trailblazer, as 4 doors, were around from 1991 to 2009 (probably produced in the 2+ million range total). You would literally have to pretend those years never existed to think that the only Blazer can be in the image of the K-5. I happen to know someone who thinks cars didn't happen in those years so that may not be a coincidence, eh? Ribbing aside, I think my version of history more accurately represents reality in that case, based on the case I've laid out above. Remember, the people who bought those 2 million S-10 Blazers and Trailblazers weren't typically enthusiasts - it was just a family vehicle. So none of those people are chiming in and expressing their supposed disdain (or approval) for the new Blazer. I think all of this context is very important in the age of constant internet outrage.
You COULD, however, at least make the argument "then why use the Blazer name if it is only recognizable by K-5 enthusiasts?" I'd say, because that's not true. People may not have been enthusiasts of their midsize family SUV but they DO remember the nameplate which, turns out, is still worth something. Even if they aren't mashing on their keyboards about it all over the internet.
Anyway, it does resemble the 2019 Camaro inside and out which is interesting.