[fnordfnordfnord]

>In this case I think the benefits far outweigh the risks.

I'm starting to suspect that you may not be in the primary target audience for Arduino.

>Now it _sounds_ like you're being snarky because I'm not directly supporting Arduino.cc

Yeah, kinda. I don't know you so I'm not really meaning to be too judgmental. I also purchase a few clones here and there, and I encourage others to do so as well.

>It is certainly cheaper in some cases: ...

Those are some good points, but I'll note that they (built-in USB, $3 ICSP doohickeys, etc.) are relatively recent developments; and sometimes beyond the capabilities of a lot of the Arduino's primary audience.