Originally Posted by gattm99
Most companies use the same frame for a wide range of models the only difference being the component specs, but one time someone told me that the higher models have cleaner welds and are made by more experienced welders.
Personal I think he was full of ****.
I think I agree with your assessment. It's possible, but I think unlikely, especially from a smaller company like Marin.
To give your source the benefit of a doubt, perhaps he was comparing across companies, in which case definitely yes, within a given model the frames are generally identical.