I think the missing component here is that anyone can compromise their name and reputation to become cheap. If Vortex was a name synonymous to quality, why produce a lesser scope and still call it Vortex. The same goes with Leupold, Zeiss, Swarovski S&B. Why not call it a Dork, Stump, Weasel, anything but the flagship name of the company if it is going to be a junker.

I work it backwards and wouldn't own a Vortex of any configuration due to the fact they make a junk scope at a cheaper than dirt price, so why would I pay more money for a high end scope produced by a dirt manufacturer?

I was in a Flyshop today and got the same empty feeling when I saw a Winston flyrod that was cheap, and worse than that, made in China. Winston used to represent the best in the flyfishing industry, but now they have morphed into the price market for whatever reason, sacrificing their once great trademark.

I may have missed iambrb's point, but to me this is what he was disappointed about

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