My comment was unclear. I am American. I think I am familiar with these differences. You seem to agree with me that in light of these aspects, referring then to American company employees as stooges is exaggerated. Regarding Asia of course it's a different topic, and I am unfamiliar with it. Obviously some American companies are bad but I just question the comment I responded to, that's all. And I don't understand "stigma to climbing it." Depending on the country, of course, but I didn't think there was stigma. Europeans compete for prestige like the rest of us. Don't they? Some do, some don't, of course.