Invariably, it costs more to produce a higher consistent quality if manufacturers are utilizing equipment/methods that are considered "modern".
It's been said there are two kinds of oats. Oats in front of the horse and oats behind the horse. Usually, oats in front costs a bit more.
Next, logic should be applied to parts availability (long term), then resale (or devaluation) will naturally follow based on quality. This is why Japanese products are consistently sought by consumers around the world. And, they are not necessarily cheaper because their labor and environmental standards are comparable (or better in many cases) to ours.
It will take China many more years to get their quality up. Their workers I'm told, are paid so poorly and thus are not motivated. Or worse yet, they are paid by how many parts they produce (with quality taking a back seat).
There are many things to apply logic to which all boils down to perceived value.
One more factor, local environmental rules. You wouldn't believe all the environmental bureaucracy my employer endures here in Austin, Texas. We make surgical instruments and we can't flush the soapy solution water we use to clean with down the drain. They are worried about the metals. We told them they are all medical grade inert stainless metals that can be put into a body. How can soapy water with trace amounts of these metals be harmful? So we pay almost $5/gallon to have this "chemical waste" hauled off.
Bottom line, American economy is directly tied to our ability to manufacture. We somehow, have to stop losing our manufacturing jobs to 3rd world countries. How can a service industry economy grow if everyone is fixing everyone else's stuff?
I'll get off my soap box...Kyle
