It has never been easier to manufacture stuff in your garage.
But, it has also never been harder as everyone expects sleek plastic housing and tons of bells and whistles.
Todays stuff is almost impossible to work with, modify or fix. (as opposed to the 50s, where most guys tinkered with their cars)
Definitely. A couple years ago I tried repairing an electric pressure washer. I had to partially destroy the housing to get it apart. Once I got inside, no user serviceable parts. It cost me $30 off of craigslist and I used it for years, so tossing it wasn't a big deal, but to your point, this is the way they do it. It's cheaper just to buy a new one. I wouldn't be able to compete with that.