Kona has always had crap components except on the high end. At least since 2002. I remember the kona roast (the one I own) had garbage components and it was the second highest end in the fr ht category. The chute had everything you could want. Same with the stinky. Absolute garbage components, stinky supreme had xt for example.

With the cost of aluminum jumping (at least I assume it is still elevated) this is the only chance the industry gets to keep prices reasonable. I would much rather they cheap out on components than on the frame.