“the fact that they had to introduce lower-quality lines at the insistence of Home Depot or the store would not carry its brand.”
This crap goes on all over the place. Home Depot is not my favorite place to buy anything.
Regarding lumber, I go to a local lumber yard whose primary product is lumber, and it’s a good quality. The first board off the pile is usually ten times better than the one you find at places like Menards or Home Depot after digging through their twisted warped knot and crack filled boards.
We’ve bought water heaters at those big box places too. They do not last as long. Our last purchase was from a real plumber that sold top of the line products that cannot be found at Menards, Lowes or Home Depot. We paid dearly, but are very happy with it.
You pay for what you get. I’ve learned it’s best to do it right the first time by paying more for quality. Fewer headaches. Costs less in the long run.
When Moen ran the apology Home Depot was the store at the time, today everything everywhere just about is junk.
If people can afford it, find a plumber who will look after you and who will know which industry products you should buy from him.
If someone can’t afford the luxury of paying expensive service people to do everything then just do your research before you buy.