Are manufacturers like Winchester and Remington churning out a lower quailty product every year in an attempt to increase profits or are they implementing new designs/features that work just as well or better and cost less in an attempt to increase profits?

Seems like those companies get a bad name for attempting to make a profit. I'm not a gunsmith so this isn't a loaded question, I'd really like to hear your input (examples only please).

The locking bolts on remington rifles certainly aren't an improvement.Neither is the new long and twisted firing pin spring that rubs the inside of the bolt body.Overall though the guns seem to shoot as accurately as before.

This is my opinion. No manufacturer is "trying" for "big" profit in the short run. I work in retail for a major manufacturer of farm equipment and lawn and garden. Been at this for 25 years. I have saying--"no company has ever hired an engineer to put more time and materials into a product". Don't think they ever will either. I think they all hope these "whiz kids" coming out of college will come up with new ideas that will lower overhead and yet give good value. It appears that all these manufacturers are coming into quite a battle with stockholders, stock value, lenders, end users, their employees, huge annual cost increases in benefits, taxes, you name it. It's not an easy game out there today.
It's easy to get "teed off" and say I'm mad at this manufacturer and will never buy from them again or that guy but, as consumers we really really have to hope they all make it and that they all give us a choice in our product buying decision. One company might faulter for a year or two or three or maybe 5 years. But then, they might "get it together" and "outrun" someone we held in high esteem that goes "goofy" for a while.
I guess thats' whats great about forums like this. We have a good chance to gather info before buying and we can get a better value for the dollar. Don't know if any of this makes sense but it really seems we have to keep an open mind about all the things we have an opportunity to buy or we put ourselves "on the short end of the stick". These are my opinions and your mileage may vary!!

SJ - I don't like the bolt-locks either! Now that you mention it, that is a change that cost more so it kinda goes against the "cheaper/worse" theme.

By the way, do you repace that spring or just tolerate it?

Does anyone like the newer models better?

Nebraska-I have my gunbuilder replace the entire firing pin assembly before delivering my guns.I won't have that bolt lock or the new spring.