Thanks very much, Phil, for a very useful and informative post. I suspect that many people who are new or relatively new to pen turning will find the information you have provided very helpful. 
I appreciate your point that quality is to some extent subjective and that people like me need to try kits for ourselves and form our own judgement. However, we are less likely to be disappointed if we are following the recommendations of somebody with great experience than if we are just trying things blind. I wasn't aware of the distinction you make between Chinese and Taiwanese pen kits and will bear this in mind when ordering kits in future.
