Common over here as well, there seems a turning point there in the early 80s when you couldn't get decent affordable amps, Fenders weren't selling, and it was solid-state everything.
I hear you bout the trust issue I feel that as well. But the fact they've got the balls to reintroduce Tru-Sonics (if they are the real deal boat-anchor alnicos) and as good as that amp clip sounds thru the monitor, it's bound to sound better thru a real cabinet and I am eager for the first time to check out a Peavey head AND cab.