I don't know about now but, 25 years ago, Japan manufacturers tested evey
single component individually, using mom and pop test shops. Each shop would
test a certain item, thus adding to the efficiency and reliability of the
testing. U.S. mfrs, though, only spot checked stuff -- one out of 100, or 1000,
etc.

U.S. mfrs had also run into trouble using lab-precision parts instead of
production tolerance parts when a device was designed.

Bill, K5BY