Now you are bringing back some memories. I was very much into amateur astronomy back in high school though sports eventually took up much of a my time after that. My only remaining legacy of that time is the 6 inch Meade Reflector I have sitting behind me in the basement. I try to take it out at least a few times a year though it needs some repair work to the controls.

As for the reason why Swaro, Leica, etc... haven't put out 16 power binos.....I cannot say for sure. Not to sound condescending but my guess is that many folks, that aren't necessarily educated in optics, tend to believe higher power is better regardless of other considerations such as light transmission, quality of lenses, chemical coatings, objective diameter, etc... Bushnell and Simmons can get away with selling 16x32s and 20x50s for $50 or $60 but when you get into the price range that a 16x70 Swaro would cost then the potential consumers might be a bit more discriminating...and demanding of quality results.

Just my guess.