I kinda agree with this but I also kinda disagree with this... there are a lot of guys not on this forum who can machine and port a saw that run like a wild ape and last a long time...
but that's also providing the operator/owner of the saw keeps the chains sharp, filters clean, proper oil/gas mixture etc.
I got tired of cleaning dirty, nasty saws caked with used motor oil and fine wood dust mixed in with it...
With that said, I know a few no-name (no forum affiliations, no interweb pages) just word of mouth kind of deal people and they can build saws. I know other guys that can build a mean saw with beautiful work that charge $250 providing the saw doesn't need parts etc.
*s-word, I've used saws that were mean AF tore into them and the port work.... well, it wasn't up to "my standards" by that I mean, the port work was kinda choppy and not 'refined'... I jotted that in my notes, took pics... all while scratching my head because the numbers weren't nothing special... soooo
As for Myself, I've built a bunch of saws for people and haven't charged them a dime. Some of the saws I've sunk my own money into them... given it wasn't much, but it's something.
The real test of one's character is to do a job for someone and tell them they don't owe you anything... the real ones won't accept that... as they value time as well as your services... the ones that are looking to get over on someone will be back or suggest that they have other saws for you to do... those are the people who expect the world for nothing and if they can use someone to prosper they will.
Stepping off of the soapbox now. (Works been boring.... muh-bad).