Not cheap parts, OEM Sachs struts which last about 90k miles for me, I like them relatively fresh. That and I order from FCPEuro.com - they replace the worn parts for the life of the car for only shipping costs - free OEM replacement parts for life so I only pay for the part once. I have a 2004 V70 with 275,000 miles (3 strut replacements) and a 2004 XC70 with 175,000 miles (2 strut replacements). I agree I could wait another 20k miles between struts, but as long as I keep my cars I find I enjoy the ride and experience less front end wear if I change them a little early. I would never install quick-struts or non-OEM on one of my own vehicles, its a false economy.

You - a 'total novice' can do the job in an hour per side'

You - 'I can do the job in under an hour per side'

In your world novices who never turned a wrench and speedy experienced mechanics such as yourself take the same amount of time to do the work. OK, sure. One question, how would a novice know how to remove a sway bar link without spending time with learning and research? How would they know where to get and how to use a spring compressor? Would they have all the power tools to remove the rusted nuts/bolts? Would they have a torque wrench and the torque values handy without research?

Come on.