Barry,
One question I had is if you communicate with the companies directly? With the Caramels we purchased for our school, I e-mailed the company after every "batch" with feedback, particularly with set-up concerns.
Vic has been doing reviews on the Caramels (he has two) and one of his concerns was the lack of side markers, and I wrote Caramel about it. I have been told that side markers will be back on nearly all models by June. On recent Caramels (the last 12 to 18) the action has been good, and fret ends smooth (at least until subjected to winter humidity levels in a classroom), which were concerns I brought up in the past. I feel that they listen--and I would guess that most of the companies might do so with the increased competition in the market.
In regards to the Donner, the all Mahogany seemed to be a better choice...more simple on the front (rosette and regular fretboard dots). The Mahogany Concert model is sold out as of yesterday. I totally agree with the fake AAA wood rating...just say, "Mahogany laminate." We're okay with that.
Anyway...I know they could watch your video, but a direct e-mail to a contact (if they sent you a review unit and you didn't have to spend your own money) reinforcing the misplaced side marker, bad action, and fretboard design concerns might very well result in a change in QC and design from the company. Or it might not.
Then again, you are a busy man with a family, so you might not have time for all of that...
Thanks again for all of your work in this field.