For the record, I NEVER said the AM saws were as reliable as OEM. They are not. My statement was, if you learn the proper fixes, they can be pretty darn reliable.
But let's put this in perspective, I recently put a OEM 044 P+C, chain adjuster and carb on a Asian 440. I'll bet that saw is just as reliable as a lot of OEM saws, and would never be running w/o the AM parts.
I also recently brought 3 460s back to life. All needed Tank Handles and many other parts. If I had to go all OEM, all 3 would still be collecting dust on the shelf.
Yes, I spend a lot more time getting the AM stuff to work right. Especially carbs, chain adjusters, and control levers. I also ALWAYS replace the rope and handle on recoils, and always use OEM piston pin clips and bearings.
I wish I had kept one of my Asian Twins, but they were both built for other people. When I contemplated not selling Twin #2, the guy stuck cash in my hand and pulled the saw out of my hand, and has since told me how well it pulls a 36" bar. Yea, the fast idle does not work quite right, but if you know that, you can deal with it. Otherwise, that saw is good.