The bottom line on this argument seems to be along the lines of if we in the custom industry band together and refuse to sell a particular product line, the manufacturer will somehow "see the light".

Sorry, I don't see this working.

Three very distinct reasons for it not working.

First and foremost, you can't get all the various custom installers to agree on anything, so I don't see a united effort ever happening. There will always be those who are afraid to be cut off, from that one lousy company that they buy from, so they'll continue on with their business as usual until they go under.

Secondly, the manufacturers know this.

And lastly, the manufacturer is driven by the volume numbers, and the manufacturer will always be willing to whore itself out to make those numbers.

Think of Velodyne, Nakamichi, etc. etc. etc.

How about THX certifcation? Doesn't REALLY mean diddly these days, does it? Just a bastardization of the true standard that it once was. Now you have levels? Sort of like a Sear's promo. Good, better, best....lol