I still remember my first hunting trip with under Armour cold gear.... I about froze to death. Went back to Columbia and grundens.. thier boots were uncomfortable and cold also.
I refinished a lightly rusted 1100. I sprayed it in duracoat and was overall happy with the finish. Not as expensive as ceracoat but it covered the pitting better then bluing.
This is likely a result of distributor pressure. If manufacturer wants to sell direct that is fine but they still have to realize there is a distribution channel that needs to make money.