Rick,
I apologize for my previous response.
You are absolutely right, maintaining one's equipment is very important. It is important for practical everyday use, enabling us to make money, not be wasteful, as well as showing respect to the equipment that enables us to make a living.
My response comes as a reaction to, what seem somewhat prominent here, that it is not OK to ask for better made machines. Yes, they are all made with pretty much the same components, however some seem to be better designed and last longer. I prefer those.
On a practical level, I'd rather pay more for a machine that lasts longer than fix one that does not. Mechanical skills are not my forte and I can make far more money cleaning than fixing my machine. Trust me on that one
I do fix some things and usually it takes me a loooooong time. Should I learn to do it better? It will be nice, however with the little time that I have left after work I'd much rather spend on fun banter here on MB than fix my equipment. If you see my posts they're usually early morning before I go to work or late night when I'm in relax mode.
"complaining" about machines that don't last could be justified as well as unjustified (fair vs unfair). And this site is good about spreading the word. If a machine has a flawed design, people should know, as well as if it is great. That's how good products and companies get rewarded.