Vortex entered the market with a "Sell the Warrantee 1st" business model. Something to the effect of: "Try our new to the market scope. If it fails we have a no questions asked, no-fault, over-the-counter warrantee."
The only way that business model works is you have to WAY overcharge up front, or, build something that's so good, it never (or almost never) fails.
People will say, Leupold built their business the same way. I disagree. Leupold built their business by building a fantastic scope, that was lightweight, trouble-free, and Made In the USA. The market for USED Leupold scopes was built upon the Leupold warrantee. There was no risk in purchasing used because they'd cover and problems. Leupold's quality and reputation took a hit when in ~2003 they started the VX-series that became "Assembled in the USA" vs. "Made in the USA". Leupold has rightly taken a giant beating over the issue. I hope the VX-I series proves to have them back on the right track.
For PST $$ and PST weight, I'm buying Nightforce every time and 2x on Sundays.
IMO, everything Asia-Pacific is dogshit save SOME Japanese stuff. I don't care who's name is emblazoned upon the side either.