It transcends guns. It's everywhere.
When I built spec houses, it was very clear that if you could not see it, the customer didn't want to pay for it.
You make waaaay more money on a house with 2X4 walls, minimum insulation, 7/16 osb sheathing, 15lb felt on the roof, vinyl soffit, melamine cabinets, 18ga sink, knock-down on the walls, cheap furnace and hot water heater, garbage disposal, 3/8 in flooring, bottom tier windows and doors. 3.5" flat work, low end garage door, cheap opener, etc. etc.
People want cheap and good looking.
When I see entire unfinished subs being demo'ed in California,I know why.
In shotguns, I don't polish the innards of box locks but one time. Then I know when I put it back together, it's gum free, and looks nice. I hate powder residue inside a shotgun. I think for every guy like me that might want that polished inside, there's a million that don't care, but will anguish over a scratch in the barrel bluing.
