For the 500th time the paint isn't too "soft" it is too HARD!

We actually want softer paint.

And yes I know you were being sarcastic.

that's what she didn't say.

I don't think it was bad luck or because of the car height etc. You can also check here:

http://www.agc-automotive.com/en/our...eight-glazing/

It says clearly that they are working with original equipment manufacturers.

How does the clarity of the replacement windshields compare to original? I've been annoyed by the fine scratches I've had since day 1.

That is the least amount of actual information I have ever seen on a website.
Doesn't matter if they make it thinner it still has to meet all the requirements. The ability to withstand impacts is one of them.

I think you are confusing this with the requirement a cracked windshield to not fall apart. This can be done by placing a thin sheet of clear plastic that holds the two tempered glass layers together. This layer prevents you also from getting a lap full of glass when a rock hits your windshield. As far this requirement is satisfied, I don't think they have other regulations. I could be wrong, but I would expect to point some source of your statement.

OK. Here. It isn't some glass company's marketing website with a vague statement about working with the car companies.

There are no less than 6 impact tests that MUST be passed. They can make it as thin and light as they want it still has to pass the tests to be approved. I am fully aware of all the requirements and not confused about anything. This is the sort of shit I have done for a living for the last 30 years.
This is not some theory that I made up it is a legal requirement. Basing your theory on the fact that a couple of guys got chips early in their ownership is ridiculous.

http://www.interautoglass.org/conten...NSI_Z26_11.pdf

You are looking pissed off. You could just provide the document and it would be fine with me. At least we know now that some car glass companies have the option to make a windshield as thin and light as possible with the restriction to pass some tests.

Safety glass used when making patio doors and safety glass used when making windshields have a plastic insert.

Do you think they would have the same safety requirements?

Windshield standards and low quality windshields are not mutually exclusive.

Good to know; however, I thought the glass on the BRZ was not laminated (much like the Miata), which would make it more prone to chipping. In either case, point taken. Low car with lots of glass is going to be exposed to more debris.

The lamination is between the sections of glass so would not prevent chipping anyway.

Wait, what?

Miata glass is laminated, all car windshields are (well, in the past maybe 50 years or so at least).

At least we don't have exploding sunroofs like some other cars are having issues with...

In 2011 the governments around the world agreed to reduce the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in paint. Heavy restrictions were placed on what chemicals could be used by the automotive industry.
Unfortunately many of those chemicals were what made the paint strong yet resilient. The application processes in use were not suitable for the new chemistry and we ended up with hard, brittle, coatings that chip easily especially with small impact surface areas.

To visualize what happened just paint a pool ball and a tennis ball and drop each. The paint on the pool ball will chip since it can not flex. The tennis ball paint will remain fine. The same thing applies to the paint itself. If it can flex a bit it will resist chipping if it can not then there is a problem. Putting more or harder paint on will not eliminate the problem but actually makes it worse.

The good news is that the paint application technology has now caught up to the new chemistry and as the plants update their equipment we will see a big improvement in the durability of the finish. The Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green is shutting down for a bit to change their whole paint system over to the new tech even though what they had was only from 2003. I suspect that the Subaru plant making the Twins may have been a bit behind the curve in the equipment updates.