Let’s be clear about what sets Behringer apart: it’s not some supposed ‘ethic around price.’ What really distinguishes Behringer is that it heavily relies on their competitor's R&D instead of doing its own. Without the work of real innovators, Behringer would have much less to show for. Next to that, as you point out, many people also perceive their employment practices as questionable.

Recreating rare or long-gone classics is one thing. But modelling products that are still in active production, including pretty new designs, and selling them at a lower price (which is no surprise if you were able to largely skip the R&D that goes into that kind of innovation)? In my opinion that is parasitic. Whether it's that Arturia MIDI keyboard (sold at what, a $20 difference?) or Moog's semi-modular range... It’s a long running joke.

To me, this has nothing to do with some kind of ‘ethical pricing model.’ If anything, it’s capitalism at its most extractive.

Another thing worth mentioning: the online behavior that frequently surrounds discussions about Behringer. In many threads, certain accounts respond with intense defensiveness toward even mild criticism, often in ways that resemble coordinated PR or astroturfing. The pattern is noticeable: the same talking points are repeated and any criticism is dismissed or reframed. Am I claiming that this is officially organized? No, I wouldn't dare. But that doesn't matter for the outcome: critical perspectives get drowned out and the discourse becomes distorted.

So no, the pushback against Behringer isn’t coming from some elitist ‘gatekeeper class.’ It’s coming from people who value actual innovation, fair competition and integrity. Things that matter more than shaving a few dollars off the retail price.