I had an XE1 for a long time, and though I have not owned the XE2, XE2s, or XE3, these are quite credible cameras. In fact, if you are looking for the smallest and lightest model with the same image quality that you get from the other Fujifilm models with the same sensor, these will get you there.
With your comparison to the XT1 and XPro1, you are looking at a generational difference in cameras, too, so there are potentially some functional advantages to the updated system. In all of these cases you are looking at the older 16MP sensor. Although there are advantages to the newer 24mP and 26MP sensors, the 16MP sensors were actually quite good.
The type of photography you intend to do and the lenses you plan to use may make a difference here, too. If you are mainly planning to use small primes — and, again, keeping the system small and light is a major goal — the XE2 could be a fine option. If you plan to use the larger zooms or bigger f/1.4 and f/1.2 primes, then it may be less optimal.
Note also that you should be able to get the firmware update that effectively turns the XE2 into the XE2s.
Also I think the reason that there are few mentions of it in the forum is because the Fuji forum did not exist until around the time the XT2 came out and GFX was announced.
My first Fuji camera was an X-E2 which I used and enjoyed. I think you would like the camera.
When the X-E3 was announced I got one with the 18-55 kit lens. My X-E3/18-55 is my "Swiss Army knife" camera. It goes with me everywhere and I get great photos with it. It is small and light and "flies under the radar" when I'm out and about. I also have an X-T2, X-Pro2 and X-100F , but the X-E3 is used the most. You can't go wrong with the X-E3, IMHO.
When looking into Fuji, I rented the X-T2, X-Pro2 and X-E2s for a week. Based on my needs and impressions of the camera, I went with the X-E3.
After shooting with it for a year, I decided I wanted a second body and found a nice X-E2 at a good price. The owner had never updated the firmware. When it arrived, I fired it up and it looked clunky compared to my X-E3. I updated the firmware to the latest version and it was a totally different camera.
I love shooting with the X-E2 and X-E3 together. They are close enough that I can mix files with no problems. I used them to shoot a friend's son's wedding and you can't tell in the book which camera took which photo.
There is a difference in performance, though. The X-E3 focuses faster and is more responsive, especially when shooting continuous mode. The X-E3 has the Acros B&W film simulation, which is lovely, although by making highlight and shadow adjustments in the B&W film simulation on the X-E2, you can get very nice results.
If you want a camera for general and travel photography, the X-E2 will serve you well. The later generation cameras, such as the X-E3 and X-T3 do offer performance and handling improvements that are worth the money, but the X-E2 is capable of turning out lovely images.
My first Fuji X was a X-E2S. Really liked it but decided to try something else, so I sold it. Soon after, I ended up really kicking myself for letting it go. I recently picked up a used X-E2 here on FM and am very happy to be back in the 'Fuji camp'. I think for the price you can now get a used E-X2 or XT-1 for, you can't go wrong providing either of those bodies will fit in with the type of photography you do.
Things I like about the X-E2: picture quality; size-not to big, not too small; ergonomics; colors-including the film modes; camera performance; the ability to adapt older lenses to it; build qualty; and Fuji seems to have a lens line-up that I really like and can afford.
Another aspect of the Fuji line-up is you can go with the smaller setup of something like a X-E2, and switch over to a little larger dslr-type body such as the XT-1, while lenses and batteries all interchange.
No doubt the newer bodies will out perform the older bodies, but for me, the older bodies such as the X-E2 still do a great job at a lower price point. No regrets here going with a X-E2. Great features, great price.
I shoot Cleveland's Saint Patrick's Day Parade. I own 8 Fuji bodies, so I have a good set of options as to which cameras to take on the shoot. Last couple years took two X-T2s w/16-55 and 50-140. This year took one of the X-T2s (50-140) and an X-E2 (18-55). I was very pleased with the responsiveness and handling of the X-E2. It definitely did not let me down as most (almost 1400 of the 1500 total images) from this year's parade were from the X-E2). This recent experience with the X-E2 and kit lens reminded me how functional and capable the older setup is. So much so, that I just picked up an X-T1 to use in next year's parade since I don't want to put 1500-2000+ (parade day) clicks on the X-T2s.
