> The real world uses carbon film except where conditions dictate 
> otherwise.
>
> If you don't trust the supplier, what does it matter if they provide
> crappy metal film or crappy carbon film? They are a bad supplier, 
> find
> someone else. Besides, you can always specify accepted manufacturers 
> and
> part numbers.

A significant issue is that I have essentially no control of what 
happens after the project assumes a life of its own. I can set gross 
parameters which may well be adhered to (such as CF or MF resistors) 
but if I get down to part numbers and suppliers there is no certainty 
that that will not be changed without me knowing. And I have no good 
information on the quality of the available Asian manufacturers. MF, 
being a dearer and more 'complex' product, arguably set a higher entry 
level to manufacturers offering them. One could also argue that the 
potentially higher profit levels may attract inferior producers :-). 
All in all, it seems more likely that I will get a dependable result 
with MF if the cost difference as a % of total component cost is not 
severe.

Here I tend to just say "SFR16" and all is well :-).
(That sort of spec transcends manufacturing location. I note that the 
first box of them that I grabbed says "Made in Brazil". I have no idea 
how good the typical quality of Brazilian electronics components is 
but I have some confidence in the people who decided to get them made 
there).


        RM



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