Brian:
Right on the money. I don't dispute any of it. As they say in marketing, you are not selling the steak, you are selling the sizzle!!
Building a marque is not easy. You must also maintain the brand once it is established. Fine American framebuilders have been under-appreciated for decades. Just ask Albert Eisentraut - it's a real pet peeve of his from what I've heard.
I would also add, though, that a lot of what you say about Mario's drive and narrowly-focused determination only adds to the mystique - that is precisely why many covet his creations (not me of course...!)
Cheers,
Greg Parker
A2 MI USA
No Confentes here..... ;-)