I get the impression that most buyers want their money back if a MTH engine is not up to their standards or if something's wrong. I got a opened in the box MTH diesel for a deal, because the buyer wasn't happy with the size of the numbers on the number boards.
If it's a Lionel, buyers seem to put up with it. I may of course be wrong overall. It's just a rough average from what I read here on the forum.
This now, is fueled by the MTH closing announcement as well. To me, it's been this way for a few years from what I've read here.
Lionel does seem to cover some mistakes better with returns. I don't bash them here.
Of course there's the pay less, want more syndrome that seems to take over buyers. Charge a premium, and shed off the buyers who are ... well ?? cheap? Use whatever adjective you'd like here.
Just trying to make a point. Fire away. Hey... you asked, right?