That's an interesting post.

America is indeed on the decline. In 1980, when Reagan came to power, America was the biggest creditor nation on earth. In 1988, when he left, it was the biggest debtor nation on earth, a position it has only enhanced in the 20+ years that have followed. America is already 'Made in China', as a visit to any shop there will clearly show. The US seems to want everything cheap, so it buys it from abroad (or, in the case of its automotive industry, from manufacturers who send the profits abroad), and borrows the money to do it. The UK is not far behind...

50 years ago we lived in a world where protectionism was rampant, and people were stuck with whatever the local market decided to make. Britain and America made terrible cars, motorcycles and white goods. As the world turned to free trade, away from protectionism, we were able to buy these from companies that made them better. If we were all patriotic, what would that quality be today? For America and the UK, pretty crap actually!!

China has people who work for low wages. They also have people who work for high wages. Poverty is in the rural areas, the industrial areas have higher standards of living. Workers in Chinese factories work less hours than those in rural areas on their farms. It's all relative. By your own admission, you have no evidence about any of the factories making these bits.

As consumers in a free market, you buy what you want where you want. If there is a better mousetrap, why not buy it? And yes, the Americans have clearly demonstrated that they do want to send their money overseas, mostly to China!! I see your point, but it seems to me that horse has bolted...

Oh, and having tried both HW and Tekin, my limited driving ability finds them equal over the race distance (12th and six-minute-GT10) with the HW having better throttle feel and costing half the price. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Woffle over!!