Neil Gould schrieb:

distinguish between design defects and design _trade-offs_

Agreed.

for example would you prefer 3-axis trim or better avionics and
moving map GPS?

Personally, I'd choose the trim without having to contemplate one
second. That's why I actually think that the lack of a three axis trim
is a defect. But then, I also think that an engine which has a
dispacement of 360 cubic inch and burns 10 US gallons per hour only to
produce a mere 180 hp (actually much less in cruse) should be called
defect in the 21th century. But I'm getting OT.

Stefan