Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
I think you are being a bit harsh regarding some understandable rhetorical shortcuts. Sure steel can be made as stiff as desired, but at what weight and comfort penalties. And we have already established that OP doesn't understand the meaning of responsiveness or at least isn't clarifying what he means by it. Finally you don't have to spend much time here to read the many posts about custom frames gone wrong. Not saying it is a failing of the builder necessarily. It could easily be just a faiilure of communication. What you have observed in this thread should convince you of this possibility.
Great post Robert. I've mentioned before I'm a victim of the custom Kool-Aid. Custom is great for people with unusual body dimensions where regular geometry and available parts sizing won't work. But for the vast majority, it's a waste of money in my opinion. One can usually find an off the shelf frame with desired characteristics by searching and asking. Even if that's not possible, the chances of effective communication between the rider and builder is one big chance.