Actually, the only question the OP asked is "is this an anomaly?"... to which the truthful, to the point answer would be a simple "no".
Many posters have expounded their answers to clarify. I see nothing wrong with that, especially when examples are given.
In my opinion, no one is required to blindly accept poor workmanship. It is a CHOICE one makes. Having an expectation of a certain level of quality is justified.
If a manufacturer gave specific low expectations... like "expect the bunk-over on your super C to fail within 6 months", that would help with informed choices. BUT THEY DON'T. There is NOTHING to give a customer a reason to expect anything less.
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