Bill I suggest you worry about your own work and let the customer worry about the others work.
I am not trying to be rude just pointing out that if this stuff drives you crazy you are getting stressed about things beyond your control.
Install your own work as you see fit and that separates you from the others. Because of that difference if the local economy supports it you can charge more for your work.
That is how the company I work for tries to sell, we cost more but you get more.
However we all want (need) to work and if the customer beats the price down some things have to go. We can not compromise the safety of the installation so all that is left is cheaper materials and faster, less pretty work.
All the trades are in the same boat, we can only provide what the customer is willing to pay for. We can not take the work at a loss just so we can say
Wow what a great looking job we did.Anyway I feel there are still craftsman out their it is just that they are not allowed the time to do everything they want to do.
It's sad but I do not see it changing.
FWIW I hate all the things you listed and I will add threaded rods left long under strut racks, always good for hitting you head on.
[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 10-08-2005).]
[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 10-08-2005).]