None of this comes as a surprise for me, at least. I wrote them off essentially in 1993 when I wrote them a letter with constructive criticism about quality control. I received a rude response that sent me looking at the other brands. At that point, Zildjian and Vater had become major players, in addition to Vic Firth, so there were options, including Cappella as well. In the years since the mid 90's I've played mostly Vater, and their private label offerings, along with Pro-Mark. As the D'Addario era has moved along, the sticks had improved a bit, only slip during the last several years. Vater and LA Backbeat these days for me. Once Joe Sr. Left Regal, that was the beginning of the end.