All good points from you moo, but I must say that all 5th scales are not 'bulletproof'.
True, the problems from the factory should be addressed, but my 5T broke plenty of diff cups as well before I spend over $100 for turtle cups, plus the pinion bolt broke 4 - 5 times, i finally gave up and spent $200 for turtle clutch system. (And my 5T cost me $1200, not $700 like the rampage)
I also 'stripped down' my 5T and rebuilt it, and you know what? The diff was completely dry! I'm 100% sure that HPI quality control is miles ahead of HSP but both trucks are assembled in Asia and nothing is perfect.
As for the support, I have to agree, I found an entire catalogue of new alloy parts but it seems there is a reluctance to bring these to the north american market; phatdad gave up on us, python tried with ti turnbuckles and an engine mount but things must be really slow for them to not bother with us. Only innovators like you and a few others here make me enjoy these trucks, and also Rob for the forum.