BME may have a better product but Kieth sucks as far as support goes. He doesnt answer his phone, respond to emails or call you back if you leave a message.
I have a BME50 I want repaired but I have not been able to contact kieth after 24 fone calls, and several emails.
Have to disagree with you. Keith is a very busy man but has answered his phone when I've called, went out of his way to save me money by shipping me a new carb by wrapping it in bubble wrap and putting it in a blue label envelope instead of a box which would have doubled the shipping price and making sure that I got it within two days time.
As far as having a engine repaired by his company, you don't have to call him, just put in a letter what you want done and ship it off to them. If they don't understand your request, they will call you for confirmation before they do anything to it. That's standard procedure, just like it says in the manual. I just sent in a BME engine that was in a crash. Simply told them to please check the crank and put a new one in if it needed it. Also to go over the engine and repair/replace what is broken and if they have any questions to call me. Now it's only been a week so I can't tell you how fast the turn around will be, but I'm sure it will be soon. The company & Keith have never done me wrong and so far parts service, questions and follow up has been outstanding. They've gone out of their way to make me feel like I'm their only customer.
Maybe you've just called at the wrong time, try again. Email is a different story. All companies (not just BME) receive thousands of emails every day. At that rate they would have to hire someone 24/7 just to sort them out and answer them. Keith is only one person and a small staff. They will answer their emails & phone. Give them a break, try again on the phone call. I'm sure they'll take care of you.