To my understanding, the deal brokered between Stax and their Chinese "benefactors" (I always think of Half-Life 2 when I use that word...) is such that Stax, the Japanese company, remains relatively unmolested and continues production of their ear speakers in Japan. However in exchange for their financial support, the Chinese company Edifier gets access to Stax's engineering know-how and can produce their own line of electrostatic products. I recall their press release saying they wanted to focus on portables and lower-end stuff specifically, which makes sense for their market. Stax's market however is not Edifier's market. They're a boutique company catering to a small niche, and it would be pointless to try to "ramp up" production. Edifier knows this. They also know it would be commercial suicide for Stax to pollute the lineage of their products being made in Japan, which is one of their big selling points within that small niche market. Apparently the CEO of Edifier has quite a bit of respect for Stax and is a personal fan of the company.

Yes, that's what the deal was and how it's operating at this time, but there's no guarantee they will continue to adhere to this business model down the road.  Anyway, even if Edifier sticks to portables and lower-end electrostatic earspeakers after they acquire the STAX technology, they will be in competition versus lower end STAX offerings.  STAX is a niche market within the audiophile niche market, a niche within a niche you could say. However, if you look at HF's growth from 2001 to 2013 for example, it's obvious that this niche market has grown considerably.  The market is pretty bloated although it may be still considered a niche market.  With the growth of the market, you've got an influx of newcomers who actually care about how their gear look stylistically.  It's no wonder that's partly the reason why V-Moda is raking in cash from young audiophiles.  The other part being how well the colorations on their headphones matches the tastes of these noobs,   Anyway, the lower end Stax gear will be less attractive compared to Edifier's offerings, which I'm sure will take into consideration how the product looks stylistically.  Also, when the hell is gaben going to release HL3

As for the failure rates of the SR-009, I honestly think the lack of public discussion is a direct function of their fiercely loyal fanbase, at least on English speaking boards. It's more cultish and close-knit than just about any other fanbase in head-fidom. As others have said, unlike Audez'e or HiFiMan who have a presence on head-fi and the like, raising a public stink isn't going to improve service; coupled with the fact that many Stax owners are repeat customers and likely perceive Stax as "usually getting it right," they're probably less likely to make a fuss over it. People like to seriously cling to the notion of Stax being the best of the best as silly as it may sound, so they give them a chance to right the wrong before raising it to public awareness.

so...STAX is a secret club and those not circlejerking are obviously haters? Sure.  I do like to take a look at the negatives of a company before their positives.  After all, to me at least, 1 negative review is a lot more telling than 10 positive reviews. 

Take the new SRS-002 portable for instance. I owned four different sets over the span of a few months, and each one had a high pitched whine when used in eco mode. Three of these sets came from domestic su ppliers, and one came directly from Japan. So I figure the issue was pretty widespread. Also I knew three other people who had the same issue with their sets. Did you read much of ANYTHING about this issue on head-fi? Nope. I think I was the only person who actually posted about it. One person told me flat out, "I wont use eco mode so who cares?" Oh, brother.

I'd be very curious as to how forums in other languages (Japanese, Chinese, German, etc.) react to Stax and whether they're a bit more vocal in reporting this stuff.

I think it really depends on what your personal standards are and what is culturally expected/acceptable. I remember justin in the shoutbox talking about someone who ordered a BHSE and wanted reparations for repeated delays, as in a discount on the price.  I think justin explained to the guy that the chasis metal is on backorder or something like that and he was surprised and the guy would ask for a discount.  I could see a variety of possible buyer responses to something like this: 

1) You've got the guy that just takes it in the ass, and waits past the delays

2) You've got the guy that understands the situation, but says, "I understand that you're having trouble with your supplier; however, you've told me several different dates it's going to be done, but those dates are past and the product is not finished.  Although no promises were made, I've lost faith in your ability to deliver on your words.  I would like a refund, and I will take my business elsewhere"

3) You've got the guy that goes "this is unacceptable.  I don't care if you're having trouble with your supplier.  I paid YOU the 1/4 deposit on the BHSE.  The transaction is between YOU and ME and YOU have not fulfilled your end of the bargain.  For wasting my time, and keeping my deposit that could be used on other things.  I require a discount on this product or I'm taking my business elsewhere."

4) You've got the guy that goes "FUCK YOU MAtE, your mum s a whore and you eat shit for breakfast.  Give me a refund ya fuckface"

Ok, maybe the last one is a little exaggerated, but you get the point.  People have different standards and different cultures expect different things.  Entitlement you could say.  Number 3, I know too well is stereotypical of old fashioned chinese people.