Does anybody have a feel for how "optimistic" or overstated some of the
ratings for some of the import plasma cutters in terms if "feedrates"
and thicknesses (quality/rated, max, severance, ...)?

Is it worthwhile to avoid the imports, or are they of sufficient
quality and durability?

I'm considering a Riland Cut60 (60 amp). At $1050 + $35 shipping, it
is almost half the cost of the cutters that I really want (Hypertherm
Powermax 1000, Miller 2050, Miller 1000, Thermal Dynamics 81), but lack
the cash to buy.

The Riland guy gave me some specs of 3" per minute for 1.25"
thickness mild steel and 7" per minute for 1" thick mild steel. That
seems lower than some of the other, namebrand 60 amp cutters. I'm also
curious as to how good its duty cycle is.

Another plasma cutter I'm considering is the $500 unit from Harbor
Freight.
Anybody know what the specs and cutting speeds are on this unit? There
isn't much in their catalog.

Thanks!
-Ralph