One of the things that's so hard to overcome is the 'low-cost'/'low-price leader' reputation. For YEARS I would not buy a Bushnell because they had always chased the low price point and made a product to match. Well, along comes somebody in the company with a revolutionary idea that they should produce a much better quality optic and charge for it. It was when I shot a rifle bearing their 'Elite' scope that I went WOW! How come all of a sudden Bushnell is doing this? Seems like for a number of years they fought the 'low price leader' rep, but it's paying off. In the age of CNC and what's available for materials, they're doing a great job.
Seafury, is your avatar pic in Reno or down in Salinas area?