I'm sure the theory on removing the metal sections is flow dynamics. The fewer obstructions, joints, changes in bore size, the smoother and more efficient the flow. I can see why this SFS solution works and why it gives better results than the competition. You get faster spool with your pipes, the SFS ones likewise, in addition increasing power and torque because they have less loss over the length.
It's also worth noting that the MKV uses the same crap design of couplings the MKIV had, which blow past the O-rings - removing as many of these as possible can only be a good move.
I may be mis-reading this Robin, but it seems you're beating them down for openly admitting they revised their product in the early stages of pre-production before releasing a finished item ready for the open market? They've never sold 1 of the pipes with an issue to a customer, so what's the problem?
Chungsters was a test car, that's why you have test cars to shake things down and ensure it's right. SFS have been open and honest about their product evolution, I think that's better then trying to cover it up.
Milltek realised they had a design issue with their mounts snapping after full production had been released and fixed it, do you treat them with the same scepticism?
I also seem to remember you defending VWR to the hilt when one of their shortshift kits ballsed up because it hadn't been designed properly before full release.
You judge companies not by their faults, but by how they fix their faults.