As corny as it sounds, for me it's "Be all you can Be" H-D produces a product that has to meet federal regulations. I'm not into tearing everything apart purely for the sake of it, but changing the intake and exhaust, tuning the engine to it's maiximum potential (non of which effects longevity) and adding a 6 speed for better performance all fall within the motto above. I don't do it for bragging rights and anything other than my own pleasure. Making the changes I do enhances my riding experience for me. I still do not know why anyone would spend 30K on something they referred to in such negative terms. Seems to me there's some image stuff going on on your side of the fence. I would never diss my ride, bone stock or modified. If I felt that way about it, I wouldn't have bought it.