You're right, they were mostly promotional - so it was dealer demand, not consumer demand. I doubt the general consumer knew anything about them.
I think they fall in line with Monte SSs, Hurst/Olds & 442s and even IROCs of the time. Flashly, but not fast. Nice cruisers, especially with T Tops. The intercooled GNs are on a whole other level. Unfortunately for the '82 GN, it will always be compared to the '86/87 GN. Same applies to the 84/85 GN's. Great cars, but not quite the same as the '86/87.