Yup, they only have to last 366 days rather than the life of the machine.
Look at the plastic camshaft and sprocket for the..... Briggs I think it is? Who in their right mind would ever even consider that, the bean counters. It's easier/cheaper to injection mold plastic than cast and machine steel. As long as it lasts the warranty, alls good.
I've got nothing against profit, it's what makes the world go round but when you see companies gouging because they can it ticks me off, wood is the most current example. Now stores, around here at least, are crying they have to sell lumber for less than they paid for it. Didn't see them crying when they were gouging customers a few months back, I have no sympathy what so ever.
Simple example, year or so ago a two liter bottle of Coke was regular priced at $1.00, now regular price is almost $3.00. No one can tell me the expenses went up that much.
Rant mode off LOL. Sorry for the off topic...................Mike