Without deviating too far from the thread topic...
I think what we're seeing in not only Optima batteries, but a whole range of consumer products, if not the entire consumer spectrum, are companies embracing, planning and engineering the concept of "planned obsolescence" in order to enhance the bottom line.
I don't necessarily subscribe to the theory that simply because a product is made outside the US borders somehow makes it inferior. No doubt such is the case in some areas of the world. Perhaps when Johnson acquired Optima in 2000, Johnson's bean counters went to the engineers and said Optima batteries life span is too long. We want them to fail around the 5 year mark. Does that make the Optima battery a bad product today? I don't think so. Simply one can't expect it to last as long as the old MADE IN THE USA batteries.
I have a Patagonia Storm Jacket purchased nearly 20 years ago...still going strong, albeit it does exhibit wear. Good luck getting 3 years of hard core use out of a Patagonia technical wear these days. Fortunately, my technical apparel does not require batteries!
Edited by Advmoto18, 23 December 2016 - 11:15 AM.