The Rig Talk court of public opinion spews its usual shit on people and things it knows nothing about. Pretty much the CNN FakeNews of global bedroom warriors.
Mike's shop is on the market. Has been for a while. He is soon to be 63 and has made his money and looking to retire while there's still some life to live. That shop is mostly full of his other hobbies, cars and a huge machine shop. He has certainly earned his retirement, instead of flaming out like most. With the Seattle business climate, he stands to make a nice nest egg. He's also hung onto a lot of music history from decades past.
BCM is the only dealer left and has been for some years with inventory. James and Mike have been personal friends and business partners for years. Other than the odd SLO at a MF or GC, you won't find another. James is good people and is stating the obvious. He's also a pilot for Fedex and BCM is a hobby for him. The handful of folks wanting to bad mouth him, he really don' t need your business.
The last sets of DeYoung transformers are coming in. They have been sending small lots to Mike since they were bought out, as a courtesy. Once they are gone, they are gone.
As it stands, Mike will take the SLO to the grave. BAD rumors were just that. See how it plays out with the rest of the line. As for the SLO, let the clone wars begin with Heybor transformers and if that is what you choose to own, then that's your business.
I have the last few SLO's to come out of the shop. All with the new loop and MV mod. They are fantastic. and James is right, if you want a Mike Soldano built Soldano, now is the time to make it happen. When the shop sells, they are gone.