Glad to see you are doing your research. Well informed choices will result from this research.

In terms of the listing you provided, here are some thoughts:

Negs:
1) Probably true, as quite a few are made in the Far East.
2) Again, some have been in the market for a while, some only recently. But if they make quality audio pieces, utilizing the research and progress made by other companies in the HT arena, these companies could apply their audio principles to the recent developments in HT to design capable equipment.
3)Rotel 1066 line are preamps/preprocessors and power amp separates, which may be a factor. This availability fact may also carry over to other models.
4)Yes, Alan specified these had not been addressed.
You are correct in not being biased by country of origin - and NAD is made in the Far East, owned by a company in Canada (Lenbrook just outside Toronto).

Pros:
1+2 - understood qualitites of these manufacturers.

Neg/Pros:
- Yes, buy moving into different price points, it is only fair to compare other models of similar price.

Thoughts:

Yes, you make very solid points on all three. The benefit of separate pieces (pre/pro/amps) would be the ability to upgrade as newer technology is available. You would not be locked into a particular brand, especially if some particular piece of a specific manufacturer is lacking. This would depend on the weight you place on flexibility. As you mention, some manufacturers may not offer separates that allow this. The problems with this is the cost, as each piece needs quality cables, and separate boxes require a replication of parts per chassis - ie duplicate power supplys, cases, etc. This can be a benefit, if the designs are quality for the outset.

So, you have received answers to intitial questions...that have spawned more questions. This is a situation similar to making any significant purchase. You are researching, studying, and I would venture to say will be happy when you are done.

You mentioned currently owning a Denon. If you are happy with it, why would you be looking at other models? If you are a happy customer, you are your own best reference! ;)

Regards,

BBIBH