I really like your ramblings. It is exactly what I was looking for.
The paticular saw I was speaking of is a hand held circular saw. I own an older green 10" and 13" Makita along with the newer 16" blue Makita.
The "wimpyness" I was speaking to is the bases of the saw.
The bases in comparison to the Mafell and Pro-tool seem weak.
My shop is predominately non-electric hand tools but at times (huge oak projects) I employ larger hand held circular saws. In my case Makita. Why? because they are significantly less expensive.
This led me to wonder if the cost difference is due to quality.
Protool's 16" saw is, I beleive $2,000 more than the Makita.
Where is the improvement?
Are the motor's stronger?
Bases larger and more accurate?
Bodies more easily able to withstand the rigours of time?
I do like the look of the Pro-tool bases more but have never been able to cross compare each saw on a project to get a real life comparison.
When I began my start in Timber Framing I used alot of Mafell, but it has been to long ago to rely on my memory.

-Collin