I blame it all on the marketing leeches that these companies hire. They prey on the consumer's sense of financial sensibility by showing all the potential for savings but fail to mention maintenance and repair costs.

Very true but the Federal Government set the rules for efficiency then the great efficiency race was on. The numbers are somewhat bogus as per our test cell chamber results but causing a customer to pay big bucks for a unit that is only 1/2 of 1 % more efficient with the variable speed motor is ridiculus when the three speed setup is just as good. It is also about selling points. I guess that 1/2 of 1 percent is a big deal to some. LOL

Oh sure, but when that repair bill comes in at 100% more than it would have been with the old tried and true equipment that 1/2 of 1% seems a bit timid lol.