In a perfect world we would all live close enough to the retailers that sell the goods we want to buy. Then we could go and demo each piece of equipment before we put down our money and inspect the machine before it landed on our door step. And have thought of every eventuality before hand. However...
In a more perfect world we could get the manufacturer to build us the perfect machine to fit our life for the same price as a mass produced unit.
Like that's going to happen.
I think it's great for users to air problems they are having with their machines, so that we can all keep our own machines in good condition. It is even better on this site because the retailers are taking an active roll in addressing peoples problems directly and with the manufacturers.
My beef is really with the choice of wording. Could the VBM's be built differently to address the rust? Of course. There are many ways to skin a cat. That's why we have so many choices in the market. Is it a design flaw? No. A manufacturing problem? Yes. Obviously it will take an attentive employee to get the frame fully powder coated before it goes into the curing oven. Like the plating problem on the feet, the base metal was not prepared properly before it hit the chrome bath, these are manufacturing problems. Better inspection would solve the problem to some degree. A different design will also address the problem.Will they use stainless steel feet in place of chrome plated feet. Will VBM change their design and construction? Only if the number of complaints are large enough and the change will make them money at the price point they are trying to meet for the number of machines they think they can sell. Having done design, manufacturing, installation and service, the business of producing a product is a balancing act. Not every problem or potential problem will be solved or taken into account before the product makes it to the market. Nothing is perfect. That is what Ver 1.1 is for. Or 1.2, or 2.5 , or......
From a buyers perspective we choose the product we want in hopes that it will do as advertised. Our protection is in the warranty and the quality of the retailer. But we are responsible for making the choice to buy.
I recently was gifted a Bricoletta, thank you Dear. It has an all stainless frame and body with a lip that wraps over the back edge of the drip tray that keeps the water out of the machine. The drip tray slips over the bottomless frame (sounds similar to the Duetto), so, if any water does sneak inside it just hits the counter. It is one of the reasons I suggested this machine as a great gift. That and the cool back and badge.

Zircote wrote:.... Is it a design flaw? No. A manufacturing problem? Yes..

It is both:
The design flaw is the shape, size and location of the drip tray support creates a void that is inaccessible to the owner, in an area which will be exposed to moisture. We are told that we must keep the area dry, but how can that be accomplished if you cannot access the area? One spill or flood is all that it takes.

The manufacturing defect is not taking the care to sufficiently seal and/or protect that same area from corrosion. Just as it is impossible to dry the area in question if moisture enters, it is equally difficult to powder coat that same area.

Am I out of line with this observation? Am I being over-zealous or is this just a matter of nomenclature? Is it out of line to expect a machine that makes a coffee beverage that currently sells for $1800 (in stainless- couldn't find current price on black) should be free from rust? I am not trying to be provocative or confrontational in this paragraph, but I feel, if nothing else, my machine was defective, but do believe it was more than that, and I have read nothing that would make me feel otherwise. If you folks think I am out of line, please say so, and I will just have to live with the machine, and I will move on....