Mickey:
I am quite happy with the Bertram Brass I have used in the past. The only fault I could pick was slightly off-centre flash-holes in one batch (primer pockets were central of course). I too have noticed the American tendency to sledge Bertram's brass, and even took Uncle Sam to task on one forum thread. "Too hard" was the main complaint, I recall.

Bruce exports his brass all over the world, and makes cases for other retailers (including Kynoch), so I think it is unwarranted criticism. If you want to shoot some of the older, rarer, and more interesting historical pieces, you will join me in thanking God for Bruce Bertram!