hi, mostel,
I agree with your specific feelings, for the most part.
I was tempted to bring out some of the ego-centrism (not an accusation or insult, just an adjective) in your points of views, which, again, I share in many of (including about that "family owned" brand, by the way. But we have to be careful about these "old friend insider references" as i can imagine it can be confusing to others who don't know your oft expressed peeve...and I can think of at least two brands that fit your description, though I know which one you are refering to..)
Your comments remind me of an eternal dilemma we constantly face here - it's okay to praise, to exalt, to idolize, but not to call out? to express dislike, even disgust? at what point is sharing one's appreciation bordering on idolatry? or dislike (or cynicism elicited by perceived cynicism) encroaching on harangues?
a thought experiment - suppose someone felt the same way you do about the "brand" but instead about independents - the broken promises, the (repeatedly) missed delivery dates, unreplied emails, the HUGE premiums vis a vis what is actually delivered, capricious "get out of my workshop, you are never welcome back" bad days, etc.
so instead of viewing those issues as charming quirks, and foibles of being small and "individual," they are viewed simply as flaky, emo, prima donna-ish, yea, even "cynical"...
Can you imagine?
I know my words will make little or no sense to many readers, but there are enough old timers who have posted in this thread who will, or should, have the CONTEXT of my comments to understand them in their implied CONTEXT, that I felt it worth a shot to take the time and energy to type this at 4am in the morning (actually started at 320am - damned iPad keyboard!) - all I can conclude is,
(sigh)
and why, among many other reasons, I don't post so much anymore - it's all about perspective, and I'm just not sure my perspective is relevant anymore in this brave new world.
Cheers,
TM