I have to agree. I did the same.
They're a dime in a dozen.
Cant beat hps for reliability. I also found my led's just don't have the PAR to penetration, the hps does. My 600, dimmed to 400 stomps my vipar900 in my 4x4.
Led manufacturers, really need to up their game. There is waaaaaay too much DIY going on.
Id bet money, my shitty "GROWLUSH" $30 would beat an old "BLACKDOG", or KIND LED, if i used one to compare. And look how much money they still cost! A new bulb costs me 30 bucks. Even replacing them 2 x a year its still a saving over time.
If you were growinb in a warehouse for profit, youd be absolutely MAD, to use led. Let alone taking all the time to make, or pay someone to DIY.
I hear you dude. I think you raise a valid point.