Ron,
A very interesting interview.

I'm sure you've checked this idea, but if buying direct from China gets you
such lousy quality control, might it not be equal or better in the long run
to buy from Newark, Digikey, or similar U.S. dealer? That is presuming you'd
get better "QC" through a dealer?  They take a big markup of course but
might that not ballance out the need to test each part?

I bet the answer is that it costs even more that way.

I also wonder what parts cost vs final cost factor you use? I've heard
everything from three to 1 to five to one.

good luck, we need you to succeed. Wish I could help.

Tom Fowle WA6IVG