The flip side to your argument, DrOne, is that in mass market industries (computers, Sony, etc.) they are making much smaller margins. The parts cost of an 861 v4, at the small volumes they do, is probably in the $2k region. I paid in the neighborhood of $15K for it. I believe the cost to the dealer was in the $10K range. So, if my $2k parts is correct then they're making an obscene margin. It's considered fantastic to make a 30% margin on hardware today.

I don't doubt that Meridian is having to make changes to their business model to stay profitable. However, they are actively bringing new products to market and that's a sign of a company with reserves and a long term outlook.

In any case, they get to decide how they want to run their business and to what extent that want to support their existing customer base. Even with the very high margins in their products, historically, I always felt comfortable with the value equation (what I give vs. what I get). I don't feel that way anymore - too expensive for the performance, customer care being reduced, finicky products that have proven to be fragile. Oh well, times have changed for me & for Meridian. We were a good pairing, but not so sure we're the right fit now.