Dude, don't start. Seriously. You don't rate.
Many of these companies support Mil and LE that way and you clearly need to re-read what I wrote. I clearly defended both Ed Brown's absolute right to determine what programs they offer, and the quality of their products. While I understand opinions on this topic vary widely, my personal view is that there is a difference between waiving a gov id around begging for something at every counter you walk up to and discussing a commissioned weapon. I don't ask for discounts places, and if I get 'made' in civilian clothes, I say thank you but it's not necessary, and graciously accept a second offer if its made if nothing else to not be rude. Although, given that you chopped my post and cherry picked so you could do some gas-lighting, you probably got exactly what I was saying.
This isn't a stroll into applebees with the "youre welcome for my service" while wearing a grunt style t shirt. A lot of craftsman view their programs like that as their contribution/support/appreciation to the war fighter. The couple of times I've had the pleasure of having something commissioned or built on a program like this that either was part of a school house training relationship, or a commemoration of an event or individual, or something that ended up getting used down range were extremely intimate and personal experiences between weapon maker and warrior. I've commissioned these items and then flown or driven my ass to the person extending it to have that relationship, because the relationships matter to us. The last time, I took team t shirts, a flag we flew at a pretty unique site, and my son on a road trip and spent the weekend with the people building it. It was an experience and a relationship of sharing stories that sticks with me, my son, and them for a lifetime. We got to participate in the way it was built, and they got to meet an end user. It is a truly intimate and unique experience that all of us value very, very much.
When I have the option to spend $3,500 on something, and my choices are between two quality manufacturers, I'm going to go with the one that has the program every single time, because I'm grateful that they do it and I want to give them my business. When people see us using some piece of gear, we get to say "yeah. Check out company x. They did us a solid on this." Whether you like it or not, these businesses get the benefit of feedback from the teams on their product, what works and what doesn't, and in the end the rest of the consumer base gets a better product.
So, Mr. I joined the USAF to serve my country, instead of trying to police how we do those relationships and what they mean to us, how about you finish pre-flight checks, make sure the pallets are strapped down, and let me know when we're 5 out from the DZ so I can wake the boys up. :dope::dope: