Hey Swankp, I agree with you. Also, with the 5 hour energy drink the main marketing benefit they have employed lately is the quickness and ease of use of the product. "Don't have time to make coffee and wait for it? Slam a five hour energy and your off!" Some people may not want to slam a large gatorade or bottle of water. Or maybe they will want a few "drops" and then drink a glass of water with the knowldedge that the "drops" will act quickly and effectively.
Marketing is going to be a key component in this product being successful but not the only component. Additionally, your point about 99% of the public is right on. I don't know of many products that have because a regular component of every day life for 99% of people out there.
The foundation lies in the technology and the ability to deliver. As you stated, 1% of the public would be fine with me.
Market and sell. Let the product work for those that it works for just like I choose one brand of bread over another.