I really wish this could be a more clear part of these conversations. For years there has been criticism pinned on "Import Guitars", when the real target ought to be "Companies that ask manufacturers for inexpensive products" and "Consumers that expect quality things for cheap prices".
Fender told Grand Rewards how to build the guitars according to Fender specs. It was only an issue of who'd give 'em the best deal for building to a blueprint, not who could provide the cheapest generic. They even controlled the wood used, purchasing and shipping it into China under their own control for QC. The original GAD guitars at least (and Im pretty sure the 2nd gen "100 series"), were not generic builds with Guild labels.
Never saw this problem prior to the "Westerly Collection" guitars, either. While Grand Rewards apparently still makes the Guild imports, it appears that Cordoba has given 'em some new construction specs.
Regarding the issue of bashing or not bashing Asian builds, I've been saying for about ten years now the issue isn't quality, it's
repairability.
When it costs the same to refret an axe as to replace it, something's wrong with the axe, in my opinion.
When the bridge comes off and will cost about as much to repair as to replace the guitar, there's something wrong with the guitar, in my opinion.
I don't WANT to buy 5 cheap guitars in succession, I want to buy one GOOD guitar that can be repaired and maintained as required, that yields dependable good voice and retains some intrinsic value,
because of its repairability. I've had 25 good years out of my D25 so far with no end in sight yet, bought new for $700.00 and 2 complete refrets. 1200 for 25 years and it's not used up yet.
Show me a current import that'll match that. It wouldn't even be cheaper in the end. Frankly I don't understand why people even bother, except for needing a beater.