One key factor not really discussed above is warranty. If you wanted to compete at the high end of the market, you'd be up against established companies, around for decades, that often back up their top of the line products with extended or lifetime warranties. My hesitance would be in wondering whether the new company would be around long enough to service or replace equipment years hence.

This summer I had the chance to tour the rod shop at Orvis in Manchester, Vermont. One of the striking things is how much of their floor space was devoted to refurbishing or replacing warranteed merchandise. The tour guide said that in order to effectively fulfill their 25 year warranties, they had to continue to manufacture or have in inventory all products made and sold by them since 1988. That's a pretty big commitment and might give a small new high end company pause.