[QUOTE=sprockets;6582863]Lots of great responses, thanks to all; this does create more questions though. .../QUOTE]

True enlightenment never happens because with each new bit of knowledge comes the realization that we don't know anything!

Yep, Actionbents and their ilk are lower-end. IMHO they're not a good fit for most new bent riders, though, because although the prices are attractive, the fact that there's no dealer support network means they're better suited for more experienced 'bent people. They're not as polished, design-wise, so the owner might have to, to use a specific example, put a shim under the front wheel dropouts to make the front tire fit in the fork. Also, the frames are a few pounds heavier and the seats aren't quite as nice as some other brands. I've considered getting one as a 'second' bent (third for me actually) but I am comfortable doing almost all the work on my bikes anyway.