My thoughts:
1). I wouldn't care if it was manufactured by King Kong and distributed by Mickey Mouse as long as i get one ;-)
2). I don't understand what the problem is with the $600US price since they are marketed direct from site at $2000US+ (check it out yourself at the bottom of this page
http://www.mai.com/products/teron%20cx.htm )
3). By forming a partnership where one produces the boards and the other markets and distributes them it is a "Win / Win" for both companies.
Regards
Darren