Mark, I don't think the comparisons I made were wrong. I researched the material carefully, and assembled the comparisons carefully. I only mentioned by academic background after you started calling me "malcontent, etc." My intention was to establish some some intellectual credibility in response to suggestions that I was some kind of crazy know-nothing. I see that Everlast tech support has done the same, by mentioning its years of experience, etc. There's nothing wrong with establishing qualifications when having a discussion--doesn't turn me off. I like to hear about peoples backgrounds.

I don't see where any of my comments have been incorrect--if so pls tell me where. Just saying I'm wrong, I've made glaring errors, etc doesn't make it so. What glaring errors?

Potentiometer and Encoders. If the amperage control is digital encoder based OK. That's all I wanted to know. I didn't say a potentiometer was better, all I said was that an encoder was more expensive. That's all. I asked because I was considering replacing it with a foot pedal and that would have been easy to do. Your suggestion that all experienced welders don't need / don't want / don't care about pedals w/ DC TIG on steel simply isn't true. I know several, including my welding teachers and authors of several welding texts. You may feel that way, but not everyone does. And not everyone who doesn't agree with you on this point is wrong. I'll be happy to provide quotes and sources for you.

Smaller rolls. Please, all I want is a simple answer to a politely asked question. Can Everlast technical support assist me in using 4" wire rolls in my MTS-400 machine? If the answer is, "No," then fine; maybe a forum member will have an answer.

Fan-on-Demand. I don't see that any answer to my comparison of fan on demand in MTS and 181i machines has been provided so far. That's fine--but saying I don't know anything about welding isn't an answer. Maybe some welders don't want it, maybe Everlast support doesn't want to comment, that's fine as well. But I think my argument is correct and speaks for itself.

Just for the record--I don't think all potentiometer MIG machines were lacking. I'm not sure--I'll have to check the specs for Millermatic 250 and 251; I'm trying to recall if they had amperage pots.

Lastly, the number of responses to my MTS posts isn't necessarily a measure of interest. I didn't see a lot of MTS posts of any kind on the site. If I've missed them, pls point them to me. I'd like to read them.