Here's the reality: we try to do our best, within the constraints we have (usually cost.) To do our best, we accept some tradeoffs. Tradeoffs like products that run warm, or switches on the back, or limited color choice to keep the number of product variations down.
And, at the same time, we try to be as transparent as possible about what we do, both via the site (which will clearly specify limitations of individual products, such as ringing with Vali, limited output capability of Valhalla 2 into low impedance loads, etc) and via support with Nick (he will not up-sell nor promise audio rainbows at increasing price levels, nor recommend what you don't need) and via this book, which really does try to paint things as they are.
That said, we will screw up. If the screwup is big (as in the product doesn't work), we'll do our best to recall, repair, refund, or otherwise make sure everyone is as happy as they can be. If the screwup is smaller (as in, we missed a feature that people really want and need), you'll be sure to see it in a upgrade or next-generation production.
And, bottom line, no product is perfect for everyone. As Mike has said, even if we were to produce a theoretically perfect product, there will be misgivings about it (Ah, it runs dead-cold? Can't possibly sound good. It's so cheap, how can it be decent, so why bother even listening? It looks too good, must be about looks rather than performance, so let's skip it. It lasts forever and has an infinite warranty, what if I get bored? It's so flexible that it can do everything I want, well, it must be compromised.)
Perception is a funny thing. If what we make is something that works for you, wonderful, and thank you, as we continue to try to bring fun products that are true to the original source to the widest audience possible.
