*insert Kid Rock quote here*
There are a ton of folks with a reason to lie or at least obfuscate the matter, and plenty of people willing to jump on whatever validates their preconceived notions.
I'll just leave this, and it applies to basically anything related to procurement, private or public sector.
Don't believe "the brass", careers could stall based on decisions and results.
Don't believe the rumor mill, it's about as accurate as the media. The highlights are mostly right, the details are unrecognizable to someone who knows the truth.
Don't believe the manufacturer, that should be self evident, especially with "Perfection" as a marketing tool.
Don't believe the absence of information is relevant. Some manufacturers are very good, and very quick, to wield the power of the NDA. When you get do get someone to talk, it's a big trust placed and burning them is a shitty thing to do.
Don't believe some random asshole on the Internet, especially if he's a mammal in a hat.