Oli, I agree also. The word is used much differently than you explain it.
I know its a topic that comes up from time to time, and most commonly over used and incorrectly.
I'm sure the lever action rifle was a fine tactical choice way back when, and its still an effective tool in cases... but not a superior choic given todays technology. As you mentioned, it was superior to single shot rifles in its time. Advances have been made since. I think as far as rifles go, a fair comparisson today would be the lever action rifle on one side, and (insert any contemoprary military automatic) on the other side.
Simply being a black rifle with rails and fiber optic front post doesnt make it tactical, except in the incorrect usage of the word which I think is better pronounced "tacticool"-aid.
Its a cool lookin rifle. Is it a superior tactical choice, as a tool, to carry out a strategedy by todays standards? Probably not. Does it make a fine hunting arm? Sure! Will the rails and stock be taken seriously among hunters? Probably not. Will its cool factor sell it to a crowd that otherwise wouldnt look twice at a lever action rifle? Sure!
I would consider buying one just to have and shoot from time to time and as a collectors piece because I dont think theyll be on the market for too long.
Again, I think OFM would do well to quit the gimmicky stuff and focus their energies on correcting reoccuring problems to make the company hardcore and great once again.