At the end of the day,the OP has made up her mind and whatever we say,won't change anything.
Now,if people are dissatisfied,they should say so but if the others are happy,you should also know,about it.Neither are wrong and a good company should expect that and not lower herself,to be verbally abusive cos some clients are unhappy.Their job is to make them happy so that they will come back.The client makes or breaks,a brand and once,it has a bad rep,it's tough to change it.
BTW,I have some crappy Petsmart leather collars and they work just as well as a PC or EL collar without the hurrendous price tag of the other 2 so wouldn't spit,on them but they are plain.
These are the one,I use when they go swimming and never had a problem.
I did read Dana's letter before buying the EL tag collar but as I had a gift card,for that amount,I got it and I dont regret it.
I,even,got a 2nd one so can't be that bad.
Price does not always indicate quality but consumer service does and PC has,always,been amazing,with me.
I make plain leather leashes and choke collars so yes,you could say,I copied them.