Meade's idea was to make it affordable. They do have some issues granted. I don't think they are as bad as you state. I've had a 12 inch LX 200 for a lot of years and I've not had any real major problems. As a matter of truthfulness I only had problems when I got sloppy. So it ain't Astro Physics or a years pay to own. For the money paid I'm satisfied. Their product is not as cheap as you state. I know because I and thousands of others also use Meade products with good results. I'm not giving them a promo just that I believe for the prices they sell products at it's a great deal. AKA a lot of scope for us non milllionaires.