My post is obviously way after the fact- but being that I just read it all, it is very possible someone will come behind me soon and do the same, so I might as well offer up some food for thought.
I bought my first cheap uke a month ago, and am so hooked I want to upgrade to a mid level model. I have researched into pretty much every manufacturer, and am ordering a Fluke in the next few days, when I decide on color and extras.
Cost of parts aside, patriotism aside, I've talked to the people who are going to make my new uke. They were VERY efficient and friendly. I have NO doubt at all (both between my impression and many reviews I've read) that if I have a single problem from my Fluke for years to come, they will bend over backwards to make me happy. I haven't even bought mine yet, and they've made me smile more than once with simple GREAT customer service. That is something that is nearly impossible to find anywhere these days, and I will sleep very soundly at night knowing I don't have to worry about that. THAT is worth the cost to me. One post mentioned that they are "sterile, plastic, assembly line produced with no soul". I've talked to the soul that will be birthing mine per my exact specifications after my order is received, so I don't get that at all.
I've played guitar for 13 years. For the last 11 years I owned only a "sterile plastic backed" Ovation. I will not buy another guitar until it breaks, and it refuses to do that no matter how much I abuse it. I've put the character and soul into that instrument and when it is finally on it's deathbed, I will replace it with the newest version of the most similar model I can find. I am expecting a very similar result from my Fluke, and do not object in the least to encouraging a profit so that the folks that came up with this little instrument can experience my thanks.
That all being said, I think I'm gonna try to find a Flake, in case I want to take a uke somewhere on a day it's probably going to rain.