I learned a long time ago to not post when irritated with something/someone, unfortunately I don't apply that knowledge all the time. :)
After some coutersinking, things are shaping up nicely, 8-32 bolts in the Losi parts, supplied metric stuff in the Tekno stuff.
I don't think I have heard of the cvd pins breaking, I know there are retainers made as you said to keep them from coming loose, but that problem is the same with any brand. (Pins coming loose and falling out.) The Losi hardware is SOOOOO small that it cannot be really tightened as much as with other brands. (Heat shrink on cvd joints is nothing new.) M2C and GMK recognized that the Losi ones come out easier and came up with solutions.) I ran both the M2C and GMK retainers, when checking/cleaning the joints never had one come loose. It is just nice to know that you are safe using retainers, and I like the way the GMK boots keep dirt out/lube in the joint.
Chris