In our economic system, productivity improvements are continuously necessary for growth. "This means making it cheaper". Take the OS 46 AX for example. The AX does not have more power than the FX. It is a very nice user friendly engine. But it is a lot cheaper to produce with fewer head bolts and other design refinements that provide for fewer steps in production with more accuracy. Some of this is enhanced by CNC and the AX had CNC in mind from the inception. The biggest hit on the P&L balance sheet has always been labor and to eliminate people is another way of productivity improvement. This is brought about by automation. Then OS charges more for the AX and the new 56a being as they are the new improved model?

To use an improved rod material and eliminate the bushings was a method of productivity improvement.

Ed you will also remember the old K&B 61's had a forged connecting rod? Well, the present ones are machined from a billet slab then sliced off like slicing bacon.

Also the old OS Surpass four strokes had forged rocker arms. The 56a and the 200 have billet rocker arms