They also shave costs in other areas as well. The OFNA/Kyosho's use hardened hex bolts for everything, Redcat uses mostly Philips bolts which are a lot cheaper and not quite as strong (softer metal) or as resistant to rust. Also, some of the plastics used have a lower nylon percentage which further reduces manufacturing costs and they tend to be more brittle. A higher nylon count in the plastic=more flexible and less likely to snap or weaken at stress points. These factors may have changed some since they changed manufacturing lines with the new models this year but I don't have one to know.

The end result is still a damned good deal of RC for your money.