On getting the right color, I buy what I like and sometimes price is paramount. The only JD powered machine I have is my old L110 that I use for my Gator but I have several JD implements showing their age.
Several things you get with JD besides anything else they offer. They have parts available in a day or two for machines built back in the '60's. That costs money to stock parts that are sitting on the shelf. They have field service. I don't need/use it, but I have new neighbors who are not mechanically inclined, never sat in a tractor seat, that need that service. That costs money. JD supplies products worldwide to multi-industries that a lot of other companies don't....single usage OEM, like tractors below a certain hp, implements to name a couple. That takes an organization. That takes overhead expenses. That costs money. Leave it be. Your money, if you don't like the price, buy elsewhere. I do. My 2c on the subject.