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The deification of Jobs over the years is off the charts, and your point above is just another example of it. He had to choose (according to you) "sending mfg to China (or Indonesia or Taiwan) or shutting down altogether." So, he had "the bitter choice" of shutting down (a multibillionaire) or sending manufacturing to these sweat shops whose labor tactics are just lateral step from slavery. These people are getting violently ill from the work environment, that is, if they don't kill themselves first. He had a choice and he chose money over humanity. And yes...Period.

I actually need more than one guitar because each guitar invigorates the different creative centers within my psyche. My intention to have at least a dozen instruments at all times is not driven by greed, but rather my beneficent efforts to enlighten the world with the aural pleasures that come from the dulcet melodies of Alice Cooper.

Here’s the real (according to The Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary) definition of “greed”: “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed” And here’s the politically-correct (according to Wikipedia) definition: “Greed is the inordinate desire to possess wealth, goods, or objects of abstract value with the intention to keep it for one's self, far beyond the dictates of basic survival and comfort. It is applied to a markedly high desire for and pursuit of wealth, status, and power. As a secular psychological concept, greed is, similarly, an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs. It is typically used to criticize those who seek excessive material wealth, although it may apply to the need to feel more excessively moral, social, or otherwise better than someone else.” I suppose having more than one guitar, amp, car, motorcycle, etc. puts a person “far beyond the dictates of basic survival and comfort.” I don’t think Leo Fender or Steve Jobs had aspirations of merely “basic survival and comfort.” I don’t and I don’t know anyone else who does either. Have we drifted off topic or what…

This lady i'm working for, she is a real sweetheart, her husband was a guitar player, played in bands in the 60s and 70s but was also a very professional businessman too. John passed away suddenly 2 yrs ago of a massive heart attack. Joanne has always hired us since her husbands passing for many projects on their 100+ year old house...roof, bathroom, laundry room, etc.... I was finishing up the latest project and she asked me to help her sell some of Johns gear. At that time she proceeded to give me this old Gibson Strings display from the 60s....i was elated!!! She is such a nice lady and she knows that i'm really into Parsons St history, etc. I couldnt wait to get it home!!! Looks like she will be selling an old KUSTOM bass rig from the 70s, a vintage Hofner Violin bass from the 70s and a couple modern era fender amps, a cyber twin and a performer 650....pm me for pics.

Maybe everyone you listed is on the other side of "damn near." Or maybe they've done a masterful job at portraying themselves as the businesspeople you and others want them to be. Your inclusion of Steve Jobs is a dead giveaway on the latter possibility. Maybe he started out as you describe, but he damn well didn't end up that way. Anyone who manufactures overseas is trying to maximize profits by any means necessary. Period.