Very well and subtly put Eamonn.
I agree with much of what has been said in this thread. Dan is the man in my opinion and has moved pen kit quality in this country forward.
Neil mentioned the one (expensive) German manufacturer, there is also Silver Pen Parts in the US who make solid sterling silver components. If you are really concerned about quality and not at all about price then they are options.
There was also Marksman Pens in the US who made stainless steel components but their website no longer appears to be selling anything but completed pens. This would tend to confirm the view that there is not a strong enough market for quality components to sustain a manufacturer even in the US. People want cheap so that is what you get. 
