Dear Richard,
I understand what you mean, but the answer to your question is yes! - it is too easy. Having 'run' heavy eqpt. for many years, I am well used to mfrs. trying to sell parts at grossly inflated prices. Caterpillar is the only case where you get value for money due to quality and speed of service, however, by example, a British machinery mfr. (that will remain nameless), recently tried to flog us two eng. oil and 1 hydraulic oil filter for £130 + Vat, but we found the same filters in Lucas for £44 + Vat!!! Having had the principal of 'self-sufficiency' (for want of a better word), in such things for many years, I never believe in going for the first thing to hand. Yes, we can get equiv. Cat. filters cheaper elsewhere, but we don't (this is the only exception to the rule), but with everything else I try to source wherever I think there is either better quality and/or better value. This preamble leads back to the original point, this being that whilst there may indeed be 'a product' available, it does not mean that it is the absolute solution, nor indeed that it is the best. It may indeed be good, and you may be satisfied with it, but many people use other things because they feel the same about their 'stuff', as you do about the prod. you use. I always believe there is always something better than what may be available (invariably at a lower cost as well)... it's just in my nature to seek it out!
Regards, Bernard2