I think the fact that SureFire consider mis-matched anodising, smudges/hairs/dust on the optics, and less-than-desirable-tints to be 'acceptable' means they consider their products to be light emitting devices first. To use SureFire's terminology - they make illumination tools with far less emphasis on cosmetic considerations such as perfect looking finish, smudge-free (etc) optics and the perfect tinted beam.
Of course SureFire understand they have a small number of customers who have very high expectations against characteristics SureFire doesn't consider as important and where possible SureFire have made efforts to support these customers by replacing products if they are particularily disappointed with the beam or finish etc.
Surefire has been consistant over the years. To me, it has been a combination of questionable business practices combined with fantastic products. Like dating a Super Model with the emotional stability of a hurricane, you put up with the headaches because the "product" is so
fine. But you worry, because you know there's a good chance that the product will degrade. With physical good-looks, it's pretty much going to happen somewhere down the road. With high-end lights, it's something that can be helped.
A company with questionable business practices, often means it's just a matter of time before the fantastic products begin slipping in quality. (It's the main reason why I bought each and every single Surefire model I wanted, as soon as I learned that Surefire existed... And then learned of some of the company's business practices).
Very early on, I bought cheap, No-Name, lights from China. Still have a couple lying around the house. While the tint on some of them isn't the greatest, the internals are decent. I have lights from more expensive Made-in-China brands. Things such as smudges, hairs, or dust on the optics or inside the reflectors would be unacceptable; and don't exist on the lights I've bought. Even companies based in China are aware that such a thing would be unacceptable.
I don't care about mis-matched ano. If someone wants a pretty pony, there are far better choices than an LX2; or any other HA Surefire model. But to have foreign matter inside the head or inside the reflector? And Surefire considers that to be "acceptable?" Let's just say, I'm glad I stocked up on Surefire models before the company became so
accepting.
When a company is known for making high-end lights that are far from cheap, they should not be surprised if their customers have high-end expectations; especially in terms of quality.
