I like the older Smith's better than the newer Smith's but that does not mean I would not buy a newer Smith because I would. You have to accept today's economy and what it takes to be in it. If the economy was strong I bet Smith would still be making them like they were making them 20 years ago. You want a lifetime warranty then you have to cut some corners in today's market or you will lose, it is that simple. MIM parts are in everything you use everyday so to say the are junk is false. Do I prefer a forged part over MIM? You bet but it will not be my only deciding factor. As for the ILS, that has nothing to do with manufacturing just politics. It has to go.

James