I was once the guest of a factory producing hearing aids. They had a very nice diner in it, with above than average food, a pool on the top, everyone used the best available equipment. Somebody has to pay for that.

Funny thing is altough their people (the ones putting the added value into the product) were highly qualified and the best they could find, for the production high percentage of the employees was immigrant. I guess you have the right to choose how you spend your money.

I think you are more or less right, an opportunity presents itself here: Why is it that no one has a chip fab in their basement? Aside from the obvious difficulties this is a logical milestone on the way to open hardware, and not putting serious $$$ into the pockets of manufacturers, which did not base their business on manufacturing for hobbyists, but to make custom designs for customers who want to go to market as fast as possible, and thinking about how much it costs is only secondary to them.

Good point, but it would be interesting to know, what the 1955 Bundeswehr soldiers have done between 39-45. And don't tell me, that all of them were kids that time. Or can the leopard change his spots where you come from?

Jeez, guys, nobody ever saw a WWII movie?

It's not the fault of the poster, that you are all illiterate, and do exchange czech beer manufacturers (Budweiser) with one your few remaining allies, who's ass is still on line in your f**ked up war in Afganisthan. (Bundeswehr)

Can't read the German one? Bad luck, Bro.

I think that is the exact mindset you develop, when you develop everything for high reliability. Take Kalashnyikovs for example :)