The new problem for the consumer is the planned failure of the quip... SSS for the bastards that make the shit quip that fails long before it should. A ONE year warranty? It's reprehensible.

I agree with most of that gnu but you usually can BUY an extended warranty ;-)

I wonder though whether some consumers are part of the problem in another way though. I guess you are like me in that you get a cooker, fridge, etc. wanting a good life out of the thing and intending keeping it until say in 15 years time it has become beyond economical repair. Maybe these days, some do look at these items (for want of a better term) more as "fashion/disposable" things that you replace when a new feature comes out or you redecorate the kitchen, etc. ?