We shouldn't have to put up with worsening produced products, its a throw away society now and companies are cashing in on cutting corners in terms of quality & robustness. Many years ago I had a decent pair of Ross headphones (late 70's) and they lasted years of abuse. In the last few years I have had a few headphones where the ear surrounds have just fallen apart after a few months. This is just one example that comes to mind but I have experienced quite a few badly produced products these days, I keep hearing myself saying it's the 21st century and this is what we get now! Further I also realise I sound more like a grumpy old man having just turned 60!! It is our passage of right for we have successfully attained the age with experience rendered.