Phillip,
Let's agree you are an excitable person and not an easy fellow to please. I say this not to fight but to make a point. I have operated many deere tractors in the past, 7400, 730, 5075M, and now 5125R. I do NOT believe you will find expected deere quality in less than a 4000 M or R series. The 3 series has an aluminum rear axle housing which may not be durable long term. The engine hood is flimsy as engine access is poor. Actually I have little use for the whole E series line, top to bottom,
Messick's has a valid point. There must be "confusion" somewhere, kubota would never be priced $4k more than deere, Not usually a gambler, but that is a sure bet.
The emissions equipment is nothing to fear, an army of TBN members will attest to that.
I suspect your MF was too small, never could compete w/ the Allis . In this case, buy enough tractor.
Kubota note, Many of those old kubotas you criticize, are owned, and in service today, right on this very TBN kubota forum.