Totally agree. Two scenarios to consider for grins:
1) BRP letter to us, as written. Leaves us thinking they are being untruthful, trying to pull something over on us, making us consider making different brand choices in the future, lack of trust.
2) Any of the following.
a) "We at BRP tripped over our ballz in an effort to deliver the finest possible product to our consumers, we optimistically attempted to produce a lightweight exhaust can and in the process made a few mistakes that led it to be unsuitable for production at this time. Enclosed you will find a coupon for a free case of oil/$250 in accessories/$500 off the purchase of a 2016 Skidoo/etc. (Any of the above.) We apologize and value you as customers, and hope that this does not affect your future sled purchases. Rest assured that you are still getting the finest state of the art mountain sled available."
b) "We at BRP, in an effort to produce the finest state of the art mountain sled, designed, among other things, a lightweight can to shed weight. Between prototype models and full production versions, we were able to shed more weight than anticipated via various assembly methods, and were thus able to meet the promised weight and performance promises made for the T3 model without using a lighter exhaust. Due to this, we decided to cut production costs by using the established 2014 model exhaust can, instead of the promised 2015 lightweight version. While we still met the promised weight, we acknowledge that we are not delivering as promised, and would like to make it up to our valued customers by giving you.........(as above.)
The first scenario leaves bad tastes on our mouths. The second, any version, would have been much much better.
I am sure there is a clause stating that they can change anything between proto and production.
I am sure they will be more than happy to let anyone out of their snowcheck contracts, the sleds will be gobbled up as soon as they are available, being snowchecks.
I get good pricing, my dealer takes care of me, I would have still bought one. I mean, I checked a Freeride even though it is the same exact sled as the one I have now. My neighbor, a hardcore Pro man with his wife, checked one, but he was on the fence for a long time about it. This would possibly really tic him off, I am curious as to his feelings on the matter. I could see him backing out of it out of principle.
Consider this: Walking down the street, a guy flips you off for no reason. Should it bother you? No. Does it? Yes. Will it change the way you look at the person? Yes. Though in reality, it means nothing in the overall scheme of your life. Skidoo just flipped us all off for no reason. Regardless of if it makes my winter any less fun, the sled any less great etc. Unless we are all missing something BRP has got a LOT to learn when it comes to customer service/marketing!