I couldn't care less who LV endorses, as it's purely who pays him the most to use his stamp of approval.

I will however qualify this statement though and say that anything LV puts his name on, is likely pretty good quality though as his reputation is pretty much riding on it.

Pretty happy with my BCM, bought after a considerable amount of "internet research" on the subject of what's best.

I've never had a DD, but watched one choke a few times in a heavy use class. It was likely OE though.

I'm a BCM and Colt Defense only guy. A friend has a LMT and its a nice rifle, but now that they're using MIM gas keys they're off my list.

I did have to send a Colt back to the factory once. The disconnector "had problems".

There's nothing wrong with MIM parts if they are made right, aside from the fact that they may need to be replaced sooner than other types of manufacture. The problem that I see is that often they are NOT made right. That being said, it is hard to stay away from MIM these days as it seems everybody and their brother are incorporating this process.