the biggest issue i think for most is the principal of taking a sub 40 dollar pack system from china, marketing it as possibly the best new pack, and pricing them at top shelf american made prices to people who actually use their gear.
some really good comments above of constructive criticism of marketing it for what it is, and pricing it as what it is... sell it for 275 bucks and it would be well received, and still lots of profit margin, rather than trying to dupe their customer base by pricing it so high people think it must be high quality.
"tested for a year in our plant" how can you test a pack in a plant for a year and expect to know how it will perform in the field? i know at least a couple (i would assume all) of the American pack companies test their gear through true hard use in the field for a couple or more years before they ever release it, there are several names on this forum who are part of that process. to price so close to them seems like a slap in the face... i know it's not on purpose, but their practices have that feel already.
i think it comes down to that concept that has went off the rails in the past few years "stay in your lane"
when i saw the alibaba screen shots i was a little taken back, but didn't think it was the exact same pack... then it came to light it was (good work WKR detectives, haha) and i was genuinely taken back.... market and sell the pack for what it is, everyone is happy.... compete in pricing with USA made packs with actual and extensive R&D and there is going to be some blow back, and rightfully so..... it's not a witch hunt, but i think the criticism they have got is warranted, nothing out of line.
i don't think they should be kicked off RS or anything, i think they are just another company trying to capitalize on the times we live in, and i hope they do well, but they over pitched their product to the wrong audience in this case imo
always appreciate your way of handling things here, being a very adult leader.... your patience is impressive on this site, and always fair and reasonable.