Well, thats good point, but IMO it's only the half of it. The other would be IMO maintaining the equipment by pre-ventive maintenance to keep it running for ever. I also think the cheap stuff will make a mechanic out of you, that also will pay off down the road.

Yeah, while I love quality equipment, my Poulan 2250 starts on the 2nd pull even when it's sat for over a month's time and it will buzz through anything less than 12" thick. I always find it interesting that people love it when their Stihl's or Husqvarna's start on the 4th or 5th pull and I have a Poulan that starts on 2nd pull (2250) every time and another Poulan that starts 3rd pull every time (2375 Wild Thing) - both saws have 50+ hours of runtime on them so it's not like they are shiny clean and new.

Starting is only part of a quality tool, and alot of times that only gets you to the starting line :). You have add in does it do it reliably, with normal or less than normal maintenance and above average performance. I'm all for Poulan but they would not be economical for how I use chainsaws. I am honestly glad it works for you joecool and others.