Amen Slowdraw.

To add something to your excellent post - there is only 3 or 4 machines in the whole world right now that grinds lens for rifle scopes.

Because of this - it is hard to compare one scope manufacturer with another without being biased due to the fact that how can one scope better then another when they have the exact glass inside of them.

The only difference between them is the fact that some manufacturers uses a better process to coat the lens and some manufacturers today uses a one piece scope tube in their premium line of scopes.

Most times - if you want a new scope a couple of years down the road, all you have to do is take the adjustment caps off and soak it in a pan of hot water and let the water bubbles get into the scope and mess it up.

99% of the times they will apologize for your troubles and give you a brand new scope - free of charge. Or honor their warranty - if it said send $15 and 20 years later it is $40, they will still give you the new scope for $15 shipping fee.