> I dread buying a new model of anything these days, knowing that the MBAs will have found some way to shave a cent off a million units, or a millionth of a meter from a poor mouse foot.

So true... Generally speaking, quality of anything from a reputable brand was taken as granted just a couple decades ago... Now, every time I buy something there's some detail showing how the people in charge wanted to save a few cents making it.

There was an article not too long ago about someone taking the old thumb wheel Logitech mouse and upgrading its electronics by adding a usb charging port and changing the switches used to make it easier to press. My perspective is heavily skewed in saying this but moving forward I foresee the ranks of people like that, as an entity unto themselves whether a minority or not irrelevant, upgrading and improving stock products for sake of durability, usability and serviceability. That last one in particular I’m reminded of things like relays and door locks in washing machines which are designed to last for approx. the duration of warranty, but it can extend to many other things also. While this hacker spirit has always been a thing, I suspect it’s been predominantly concentrated in developing countries where incomes are too thin to afford throwing things out, and so a repair may in fact fix a blemish of the stock product and extend life as if it is an upgrade unto itself. I think it will become more mainstream.