Lakeside53 said:Manf. do have are resources... Just because a few individuals can mod a saw and get way with it doesn't mean a manufacturing run over many years can do the same. Reliability is compromised, but few run their saws long enough to find out. Stihl had crankshaft problems with the early 066's because they just scaled an 064 up in power... and made several changes during production, but many users never had any issues with the original units. But if you were one that did, you weren't happy..
Power is always a compromise between size, weight, cost, longevity and not, and the current emissions standards. The same applies with the auto and bike and aircraft and .... manufacturers.
Mods are great but if you make your living with a saw longevity and dependability rule.