Geez, Mark, how do you really feel? I wish you'd try to open up a little more.
Reading between the lines, I sense some dissatisfaction with your current installation.
I have a first-generation Pioneer and a cheapo Toshiba. Never had a bit of trouble with either one. It's a pity that virtually all of these devices are made in China and disposable. Can you even get something like this that is made in USA (or Japan, for that matter)?
I have crappy TV's, so I can't really tell the PQ difference. That's probably how it will always be. It takes a pretty obvious qualitative difference to get me to spend extra; no regrets about the Axioms, but when the processing is entirely digital, I see/hear less difference.
