The old way business was conducted based upon quality and reputation is gone for the most part. Most of these companies are run by 3-5 year executives, who care only about justifying a monsterous salary and bonus package, grab it and trot off to the next victims. I actually think GE carrying parts for a 14 year old microwave is somewhat reasonable in today's world. Everybody wants the fewest SKUs to keep after, the lowest inventory to pay taxes on, the lowest overhead and the highest margin. Any company that's not paying attention to that is courting disaster. Add to that, the departure of employees with the memory of past mistakes, being replaced by fresh, young talent armed with education but little experience, and you have messes like GM and their engine issues, transmission issues, Buicks made in China, and no good way forward.