I think the .17WSM is a great round with great potential. I'd love to see a 5mm or a .22 WSM in the future.
Right now the problem is the ammo shortage for it has driven prices through the roof on the secondary market. Guys will find a bit for retail someplace and put it on gunbroker for $50 a box, when it retails for around $17.
When the price comes down, it will be a perfectly affordable alternative to a sub-cal centerfire.
The issue I personally have with the thing right now isn't the cartridge or even so much the lack of availability with it..... the Savage BMag is a ruddy POS rifle. It isn't worth a penny over $250 IMO at full MSRP. Part fitting is poor, fit and finish sucks etc etc. Of course its a low end rifle but if I am waiting for a higher quality rifle to be produced in this cartridge (other than a $1200 single shot). I'd like to see Ruger 77 in the 17wsm.