Orient Express - Cheap Chinese Rims / Wheels / Forks / Frames / Cranks / Etc

This isn't exactly what I'm saying.

I was'nt really disagreeing with you TBH. Recently companys have been open about using open molds (planet-x, pedalforce etc.).

I hear you on the "why" for internal nipples, but with tubs you would have to pull the tyre off to true them up, so I went for weaker but more convenient external nipples.

Not with tubs. major PITA.

Cynics might sggest that the products that make it to ebay and the like are the ones rejected by the big brands. Who knows.

This is the flip side of the coin.