Your post is informative and I appreciate it. However, my reaction is based solely on sub performance of said NY locks. It should not be necessary to do that what you had done in order to make the simple thing as unlocking the lock, just to make it work with no hiccups. Abus and Trelock have cheaper, just as robust, and quality locks that have no problem whatsoever in locking/unlocking. A few sprays of silicone or white grease once in a while is all that is needed to keep the lock in smooth operating condition. No need to align key plates, or anything like that.

So if we have a very good product that is cheaper, works flawlessly (Abus, Trelock), then why would I need to buy the one that is more expensive, fiddly to work with because it does not always operate properly, and lastly, offers about the same protection (NY)?

Off course I will go for the cheaper and better performing product, it's a no brainer to me.