All of my components except for one have removeable IEC cords. I like the IEC connector primarily from the standpoint of being able to have the near-optimum length cord for the physical placement as well as ease of disconnecting it for installing or moving the component.
But I never disputed (and commented about it in previous posts) that a soldered-in captive cord was a technically superior connection, just as I believe speaker drivers with soldered connections are technically superior connections to push-on connectors.
Perhaps in addition to finally yielding to market demand, Frank serviced one too many miswired customer IEC-modified units and wanted to potentially save the less technically knowledgeable modders from hot chassis mishaps in the future.
But now that he has bent to the demand, it probably still won't please everybody. There will be those that won't like the generic IEC connector and will want to know why he can't provide over-engineered and overpriced specialty IEC connectors!
Steve
