Hi Willy,
We had as quad vac at connections last year, 2 in series and 2 in parallel. (180" and 200 cfm) Too many amps(20 amps per cord with only 250 psi pump) made it too specialized of a machine. With our new motors we have 148" and 230 cfm at 15 amps per cord with a 500 psi pump, 1.6 gpm is just better in my opinion. If plumbed properly the Pumptec pump is very reliable and easy to rebuild. Thats why more manufacturers use them in portables then any other pump for high pressure (200 psi and above). Though the General is a good pump and a great company, an oil bath pump like that will leak oil if turn on it's side, which is what some operators do to portables, thus not practical for most of the market.
As far as Ed goes, I've talked to him once on the phone, pleasant enough of a guy.(but so was I) Outside of that, I don't know him. Yes, he does get hammered here, but why? You've been around here long enough to know that he is not the only one that has gotten nailed. I've been hammer myself. Here's where I see the difference. When I got hammered, I can't say I enjoyed it, but I reasoned that these people didn't know me so it was not a personal attack. They were telling me the flaws that were in my machines from their perspective. (they are the customers and they know what they like and what they don't like) I can either listen and respond with the improvements or get offended. I choose to improve my product and continue to do so. Am I or my products perfect? Far from it. I can always improve, but if I can get free input and advice then I'm going to take it. We have to be able to swallow our pride and listen.
I think Ed could do the same if he wanted. He's been building that machine for nearly 30 years and I don't think it's unreasonable to expect some refinements in it instead of the mediocre product that it is. If he would listen he could improve his product and it would be better for it. He can do what he wants to, but the long and the short of it is this, he either improves the quality or he will always get hammered. These people on these boards work too hard for their money not to get what they are paying for. When this is shared with Ed and I'm sure it will be (right Ricky) if he listens, I just did him a big favor. If he makes the changes that he needs to, he and his products would be accepted. This cost, it's not free, but from my perspective it is worth it.