Thanks for those last few replies.
I suppose I should add that I am meticulous where any of my tools are concerned. After stripping down my present ab many times, (after every use), and reassembling, I am well aware of the delicacy of the parts.
The larger guns are the same, but... larger!.
I can see how bending a needle is easy, but excrement happens. I expect there's those that have never bent any. I've been in countless body shops where painters left 2k in their gun overnight, and spent the next day cleaning it out, hell, I've done it myself. Those sort of user errors do not deter me from getting a good make. I'm mature enough, in age and mentality, to not abuse anything I own.
I do not often treat myself to a new, latest item/model, but rather go for the cheaper option. I do not expect to be a pro ab'er just 'cos I have the latest model. What I do expect is that as I improve, the ab I own will always be better than my abilities.
The answers I seek are why the vast price difference between iwata and badger? The latest iwata 400, and krome 200. Yet when I search reviews and tests, they both seem the same. Many pro's use one or the other, and their works all seem just as good. Forget about weight, that don't concern me, after 30 yrs holding the larger guns that aint an issue. I currently spend hours using my ab with no muscle or finger ache. I'd rather have just 1 ab, not 2 or more, as I doubt I'll ever become famous....haha, it's possible, but I doubt it. For that reason I'm swayed toward the krome. I know Japanese quality is exceptional, tolerances also, but I'm sure so are many others. I'm not keen to buy German made, their cars are great, until they reach 10 yrs or older, then you may as well scrap them. I think German quality is overrated.
American made used to be quality, until they started to have items produced in China, and packed in the states, and claiming "made in USA".
Heck, the Japs are even starting this lark now.
The world is not perfect, neither are people, but to aspire to greater things is in most of us. If someone wants the latest phone, iPad, tab, car, bike, or ab, then let them on. It's their money, and if they drop it, crash it, bend it, break it, then so be it.
Please try to refrain from giving me negative aspects about how I can damage an ab, there's a multitude of people I can hear that from.