I think it was more than that, it was definitely not just the lack of a Hemi, but a mixture of prices and perception due to that certainly played a role in the sales drop. An angry minority can certainly effect a silent majority on perception of a vehicle or anything for sale.
The V8 is back and more expensive than the superior S.O., but they are selling all the allotments available. The V8 in the RAM is interesting at this point, will it be a smaller percentage of total engines like the F150's 5.0L (which is cheaper and considered the lessor engine to the 3.5L Ecoboost) or will it become the majority of RAM 1500 powertrains? I guess we'll find out. But based on typical RAM customers, I suspect at least an even split between the 5.7L vs 3.0L, assuming no issues with supplies.
I do wish RAM does what Ford does in regards to their engine hierarchy, that is ....
1. 3.5L V6 (HO) / 3.5L V6 (SO) "Top Dog"
2. 5.0L V8 2nd "middle"
3. 2.7L V6 (SO) "entry"
RAM should do....
1. 3.0L I6 (HO) / 3.0L I6 (SO) "Top Dog"
2. 5.7L V8 "middle"
3. 3.6L V6 "entry"
But of course Stellantis is milking this, like they always do, charging more for what is the lower powered alternative in the product line, likely cheaper to produce as well. For Ford, they have had over a decade of getting their customers used to V6 turbos over V8s, selling the Coyote only to keep V8 fans happy. For RAM, which was marketed for just as long as a "Hemi" truck, it's a different story for a lot of their customer base. Which I guess is why Stellantis can get away with charging more for technically the cheaper & less powerful engine.