harmon, you are right if you don't like a product don't buy it. I have been using abu products since the mid '70's (5000's, 5500's and 2500C's), Shimano reels since 1980 (Bantam 100's and 300's) and most recently Daiwa. Of all the sites that I visit I have never seen as many problems that individuals on this site seem to have with reels.