Mark, Sorry if it seemed I was trying to unearth "hold close" info. I like being in the know on the equipment I purchase, so, I try to go to the horses mouth (not the other end) for that data. I read a number of things on the net about Everlast and some folks comments aren't always flattering. I research to the point that I feel knowledgeable enough to allay my personal concerns, and when engaged in a conversation/disagreement to know what I speak of is not hearsay or rumor. I once got into a discussion concerning an "american made" issue, only to pop open the case of a device to photograph the components within. This was to prove the point that "don't believe everything you read".
I am also always suprised at how resistant people are to change. When I bought a Miller MIG welder, while doing my research I kept hearing folks complain about the cost of the equipment. Well, you folks come out with a intermediate machine with a high degree of adjustability, reasonably priced, and a great warranty and you'd have thought you guys had got caught commiting crimes against nature, sheep that is!
This internet thing is pretty cool, but I've seen it used for pretty vicious things, including character assassination.