Where does this story line come from? I think this was discussed here or in Mechanics in the last few weeks. I have had two of my bikes w/ 8 spd Athena since new and just bought a used set with a Tommasini Techno for my son-in-law. He is all thumbs and I don't what him even adjusting brakes so would never give him a problematic group. They have been as functional and reliable as any groupset I have and other then the black plastic shift levers and one having plastic BB bolt caps they are from all I can tell the equal of my 8 spd Chorus. Further, I see their prices as a bargain.
I have never had a 9 spd Athena so can't speak to it.