I guess all the name brands get bad publicity at one time or other, and people easily write about negative experiences.
In that light I would like to share my positive experience with Canon who have agreed to fix my Speedlite free of charge, although out of warranty.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude to them because the $300 repair tag for a $600 item was for me more than daunting.
In my case, the Speedlite had been barely used, less than 100 images, and had been packed away at home while I travelled for eight months - then a further few months before I decided to use it again.
Canon has honoured the fact that I didn't receive fair usage from my product, and I am so happy with them for making the right decision in my case.
Lesley