FWIW, when I took a course titled "Design for manufacturing" required for my mechanical engineering degree, I doubt that a design such as this would get a passing grade. It's both elaborate as well as insufficient. Looks like it was designed by a committee.

But then, I may be prejudiced; I looked at racks a few years ago, and found Thule's offerings both overpriced and underwhelming, so I bought a Yakima.