SP is responsible for defective caps, it does not matter the distribution channel, so I do not think that producing defects is a maneuver to make MD seems bad. However, the sorting is all on MD, and this may be a difference on your selection of distributor. I bought Granite and Skull's with SP and had no sorting issues, and they replaced 1u defective key caps, so it was very nice customer service, I do not know if MD will be like that. I bought an Infinity set so I may tell if they get it done OK, when I get it.