@Rimshot "Hmmm there are only a handful of impact owners as it is. Almost as many reviews now as owners prior to the the shipment making it to the states and never saw a bad review. Not till they made it into the hands of the owners are these issues showing up.So reviewers what gives"
I am not a reviewer nor do I have an Impact yet, but let me explain what I expect from the reviewers of new products.
First, what is a "bad review"? There is a difference between pointing out problems and recommendations for improvement vs. advising against buying the product. A bad review is advising against buying the product in its current form as it hits the market. If the reviewer can determine a systemic problem that prevents the product from working as intended, it's his/her duty to note that in an honest review. This serves well not only potential buyers but also the manufacturer because surely such systemic problems will be experienced later as the number of buyers increases. Even if the reviewer does not encounter any "show-stopper" issues they should point out problems and recommendations for improvement to the manufacturer that may benefit future buyers and also helps other early buyers to DIY solve them. This forum seems to work well in having reviewers, owners, and potential buyers interact to voice their issues that they find important.
The reviewers do not have an easy job. They have to differentiate between a "lemon" or problems with an entire product line based on only one sample they were given. Thus you need experience to determine if the product is plagued with design, safety, quality or performance issues throughout the entire product line, or if it's limited to that single rifle. Also, as a reviewer, you cannot make too many mistakes in the role of an "expert" and you cannot "cover" for the manufacturer's errors or your credibility will be shot. So there is a lot at stake but in my opinion if the reviewer is doing an honest job they can serve the buyer and manufacturer equally well.
As far as initial issues with new product lines: there could always be one lemon amongst hundreds of perfect rifles because achieving "zero-defect"s not a realistic expectation unless you want your product costs to skyrocket. I expect problems with any new products and these are expected to be worked out with time. Some of these problems may be the result of improper assembly, shipping, etc, or issues that can only be discovered with prolonged use by a large population of users. It's critical for the manufacturer to take ownership of these early problems and resolve them for the satisfaction of their buyers, and this forum and some of the reviewers here serve as great conduits for that.
Just a side note: early buyers take risks. Look at the example of TESLA. Arguably the most awesome and innovative product that won numerous accolades from industry and customers alike, but they do too suffer occasional setbacks. One possible way the manufacturer can "reward" these early users for the risk they are taking is with a lower initial price or by throwing in with the rifle some free-bee products like extra magazines or a coupon for a future purchase.
