common misconceptions

Older high end valves were built to last with the intention of being repaired instead of replaced.  Most of these fixtures work for years with little to no maintenance, when operated properly in normal conditions.  Ocean water, well water and hard water all cause different maintenance schedules.  

Example:  If someone drives a manual car in a city, and someone else down a dirt road every day, there will be very different maintenance schedules that have nothing to do with the car itself.

High end valves are meant to be worked on from the front, specifically so you do not have to open up your wall for repair.  

There is a big difference between repair and replacement plumbers, as well as high end and low end plumbers.  High end anything is a whole other world. 

Example: You can't take your Ferrari to a Volkswagen mechanic.

A mechanic can be in the field for 30 years and be fantastic at what they do.  If they work on Toyota's and Nissan's, when someone pops the hood of a Mercedes or Bentley, they don't know what they are looking at, how to troubleshoot, or have the correct tools.   It isn't about good or bad, it is high end vs low end.  

Example: You can go to the highest quality salon that only has the top stylists, but the person who specializes in cut, isn't necessarily the best person for color.  You have to have the correct person for the specific task at hand.