EVERYONE KNOCK IT OFF! i understand the reaction and desire to respond but please report the offending post or move it to another thread.
This thread had something going for it and i appreciate DW, Acoldspoon and even deathhare keeping things on track.
As hard as it may be I'm going to ignore the bigoted comment above, skip the globalization issues, the generalizations about generic taiwanese frames vs custom builders and whatever else went sideways in here.
There are several framebuilders i would love to have frames built from, because i respect their craft and the value of the object beyond a simple bicycle. I intend to have this done as I age and have more expendable income. I would love a Kalavinka or Toei frame, but right now i have too many bikes to justify another custom build...
My argument for owning a custom locally built bike is not the support of the local economy (although it is a nice benefit) but the connection to the builder which comes before and after the bike is done. Im speaking from a privileged position, since im good friends with my bikes' builder, but similar relationships can come about from meeting your local guy.
In following the process with my guy, ive gained a tremendous appreciation for the craft and what goes into it. I can appreciate the time and effort that goes into filing lugs, creating bridges, and all the other factors that go into framebuilding. I would not have gained that connection if i had bought internationally. I am willing to pay a premium for the service and relationship which continues beyond the frames completion.
When i was hit by a car we spent a couple hours in the shop, with him talking me through the realigning process. When a different friend acquired a wrecked vintage track frame of note, after hours the builder showed how to drill out the pins and pull the tubes for replacement. We can discuss with other handy people in the city who is going to make the trophies for the upcoming messenger or polo event and spend time doing that. People are able to come to the builder just for questions or consultation in other projects they may be working on.
Obviously Richard Sachs, Sasha White, and even Don Walker wont have the time to share their space with all those waiting for a frame from them, or everyone they have built frames for. But neither do kalavinka or vivalo or bridgestone. Your local builder is supporting your "bike scene": (i know many of you dont believe in that idea, but they are) either by donating frames or sponsoring racers, supporting younger up & coming junior racers, giving a local bike mechanic a job setting up their finished frames, sharing knowledge and know how, sending customers to a local bike shop, etc. & that is why i would sooner support them.