Thanks for getting this back on track, Bing.
Squawk's comments about excellent Corona Guilds pointed out, for me at least, that the problems there may have been something other that manufacturing compatibility. If the guitars are as good as he says they are, then other issues must have interfered with continuous production.
I'm intrigued with the GAD stories and the good reviews as well - those of us with legitimate geezer status remember when we used to laugh at Japanese electronics, and I still remember hearing the first Honda sports cars in about 1969(?) whining through corners at 14,000 RPM. No laughter anymore.
If making guitars is about great design and exemplary materials selection and production control, then maybe China is today's best bet for value in a production instrument. And a fine US facility for more tender and individual care in the higher end?