As Dimman said, decisions are often made by people who don't know any better. If a Chinese company can deliver a product for 10% less, it's difficult to justify using a Korean or US manufacturer instead.
If the product you get is identical and consistent, it's fine... but my experience (too) has been poor QC due to low overhead, inconsistent source materials, and poorly trained (and equipped) technicians building the parts.
Given the evidence of Trish, NLM, and Fled (I'm sure others will appear), it seems pretty likely that aFe is choosing profit over customer satisfaction. They're allowed to... but in a modern capitalist society, most consumers will read reviews before they buy something expensive.
Since there are better options, let's use the forums to bring light to an inferior product... and help people get the good ones:
Nameless, Motiv, Perrin, Borla, etc.
Torches for sale!
