Yes, I see your point and can agree to an extent. Different brands use differing quality components though, and I think this can greatly affect both performance and longevity, regardless of install. Kicker vs. JL for example...I've heard a few side-by-side comparisons of boths top end subs (L7 & w7), both in their recomended enclosures at recommended power and it's easy to distinguish that Kicker is the sloppier of the two. Another example of the two brands, amp-wise....I have seen way more Kicker amps with induced noise than JL...again, installtion was by the books.

Which brings me back to my point, I think most companies with a bad rep have it for a good reason...first-hand consumer experience. I worked with a guy who installed car audio for over 20 years, and I would get a car in the shop which needed a problem diagnosed. Many times, this guy could take a look at what brand/model equipment was being run tell me exactly what the problem probably was, and he was usually right.