There is also the possibility that we could import discretes and other
parts directly from small shops in India and China.

The only problem is that it seems that US Customs import duties for
electronics coming in from Japan are rather punitive to small-time
operators. Maybe I am wrong.

Maybe you and I should go into this one together
====================================
In Britain there are few 1 man or family companies selling components.
Have a look at
www.modecomponents.co.uk
www.jabdog.co.uk
www.sycomcomp.co.uk

In western european countries there are a number of traders selling surplus
components incl RF parts ,who move from fleamarket to fleamarket ,from
country to country. A number buy surplus army kit from eastern europe and
sell these as components...........................they have done that for
many years ,hence must have a reasonable income from these activities .
I have seen a web site related to the sale (auction) of US Government
equipment (located in Virginia) with some mouthwatering electronic
(test)equipment . There should be a market for this equipment ,even as
components.

The marketing question remains : Is there a substantial ham homebrew market
in the USA . How many of the approx 700000 licenced Hams in the USA purchase
electronic components on a more or less regular basis ?

Surplus people in the USA like 'Surplus of Nebraska ' and 'Peter Dahl' seem
rather expensive.

Frank GMØCSZ / KN6WH.