R4s were(are?) far more popular than M3 Simply, though making it look like R4 is the "original card", but I think R4 it's actually the clone card. Like for example, GBAlpha had other cards before slot-1 cards came out, and I don't think they would clone a flashcard already having experience on the market. Also, R4 team only has one flashcard, while GBAlpha has various, and usually, a company that clones a product doesn't develop another ones, as they had to clone the hardware. That's just what I think though.
On the topic, I own a CycloDS and I'm happy to see fast updates with more features
. Some people also commented that Team Cyclops is the "New R4 Team", and I highly doubt this, Team Cyclops is far better, and I also don't want them becoming like the R4 team, having minimal updates that only fix compatibility with some games...