Lurker,
OH Yes. Very aware of the possibility. This is why I always say, "The more reviews the better!"
I can only speak for myself, but since my site results in no income for me whatsoever, I cannot afford to go out and buy all of the lights off retail shelves like Consumer Reports does.
Usually I check CPF and other reviewers to see if there are any serious discrepencies between with what I've found and what everyone else has found before I publish, if other reviews are available. If there's something really wrong or unusual, I usually add a comment about it in the review.
Which reminds me, the first CMG reactor I received was an exceptional one, but I don't believe it was hand picked because it was CRACKED and had to be returned... Luck of the draw! I need to update the page with that information - I thought I had already but your comment made me check - Thanks!