The thing is it doesn't necessarily mean just because they make some "good" stuff as a subcontractor, that other stuff will be up to par. For example, this happens in the Swiss and German watch industry where the factory's own brand is terrible, but the subcontracted names are of top quality and price. Same in the bike business, especially since there are only a few factories that make the Taiwanese sourced ones. The $2000+ frames coming out of the same factory are definitely not of the same quality as the ones that are destined for $200 wholesale, especially with the latter's recycled mystery metal tubing and whatever welding rod is available.
One must not go by name, even for the top producers, but by the individual product. I think a lot of people are "falling for it", as is the case with these direct from factory manufacturers get in every industry. The formula is always the same on the message boards as well. They gather a cult following who normally just post the moment they get something based on the looks and then also reference qualifications, such as how the factory also makes "brand x", which happens to have way higher quality, materials, and has a person in the factory ensuring QC.
I agree with some of your points. However the comment about message board cults is strange. Toptul is making a quality product at a good price. It's true most people only post up when they get new stuff, or when they are unhappy with something. It's rare that people will take the time to post up about tools simply doing their job.
You'll note earlier in the thread that someone asked for longer term usage reports. I posted up regarding sockets, wrenches, ratchets that I've been using everyday for quite some time. As Time goes by I will continue to post my findings with the tools.
Though every dealing I have had with Mike has been great, He's still selling a product I'm paying for and I expect that product to perform. I don't owe Mike anything nor does he owe me. But in these days of Big Box stores and instant gratification, I like supporting a guy trying to build his company and doing a kick *** job. Maybe it's because I own a small business as well. Who knows.
Rest assured should something not live up to an expectation whether it be poor quality, broken tool, lack of service, something not as described I would be the first to post that up as well. But since none of those has happened, I don't have anything but good to report.
Actually I do have a couple comments and a concerns:
I'm sad to see the full polish tools going away, as I really Really liked them. Satin is Damn nice, but I still prefer the shiny.
Also, should I break something, I know Mike is still dealing with a limited inventory between shipments, so I could see where I might be waiting awhile for a replacement. But since That has not happened..... I'm not very worried at this point. Plus I know he has mentioned trying to start stocking a larger inventory, so that could be a worry of the past soon enough.
