vamx...I can understand what your saying, but the key word that you used is "proper". as quality control is questionable when it comes to what we get from overseas, I have to think that a rod cut from a solid piece of aluminum is going to be better than what we have seen in some of the engines brought to us from the fine makers of lawn equipment. depending on who makes the rod and what compounds they use for the forging process, then they can conceivably produce something stronger than steel. but in this day and age, the manufacturing of those components has to be suspect because it's all driven by the mighty dollar, or yen, or franc, or ruble, or peso....anymore, you are getting something that will hold up to average use....but not for the purposes that we use them for. but this isn't limited to racing or row boats....it's this way for everything....the companies produce an widget as cheaply as they can and sell it for as much as they can. this is the prime reason that right now, the billet rod is the best bang for your buck....otherwise, we wouldn't be using them.....
just my thoughts!