[How is that acceptable to people? I guess they don't even attempt to use them stock? Maybe the pricepoint? theremingoat I believe does stock switch reviews, which many trust and funny enough he never seems to mention these issues. Actually he even complained about the teailios springs when compared to the tangerines if I recall correctly. I have seen complaints about inconsistencies on the aqua kings, but not the alpacas. I honestly thought I had a bad batch of alpacas or something. I would like to still try tangerines at some point, but your comments are certainly making me reconsider.
Well for once have you looked at the mechanical keyboard subreddit? That whole sub revolves around pretty images, GMK keycaps, group buys and aggressive marketing of said GBs, hype, countless recolors, dozens of switches that mimic the Holy Panda, useless aesthetics trends (artisan keycaps, coiled cables, etc), and occasionally, drama.
They jump on every GB available, just look at the dozens of GB for switches that are probably just using the same molds but with different colors.
The consensus is to automatically lube and film switches, combine that with the fact people barely share any knowledge or discuss things in the MK community. this kind of issues probably slip through the cracks.
In the end while I personally don't find the higher end switches to be that of a step up from my Gat Yellows (when lubed) to get a pack, they do have a difference when comparing side to side so I can understand why people want them, even if the difference isn't huge, it's better, I don't know about the Tangerines though, havn't had the chance to try them to see if they're that good as people claim them to be.
Thermingoat is relatively objective I sometimes read his reviews too, he has many switches but he's not through enough imo, he doesn't focus on many aspects that are very important, especially [build] quality, and his lists aren't categorized sufficiently, I could go on but I have nothing against the guy.
Also someone correct me if I'm wrong but AFAIK his reviews are based on samples? he doesn't have full packs for every switch and actually use the switches for a while.
Overall, it doesn't surprise me at all, gathering info is really hard in the mechanical keyboard community despite being
huge.
A funny example I see is the diversity in switch description, in the rare discussions you'll encounter on Reddit you'll often find people using their few or even single switch and basing their knowledge on it and YT reviews, describing the same switch, heavy, medium, sharp, round, short, long, has pre-travel, no pre-travel, etc, with zero comparison to other switches so other people could gather an idea..