Should we also assume that "lesser" chains made in the same factory are punched out on old, sloppy equipment and made with intentionally inferior materials? I'm just saying that your statement had no merit unless you're experienced in the chain manufacturing industry. AFAIK there's more cost difference in the peening procedures and plating than in the raw materials. It would hardly be worth a manufacturer's time to produce a "sloppy" chain that measured as worn right out of the box. Ever measured a $6 singlespeed chain? They're amazingly precise.