Burn in could certainly be conveniently used as an excuse by salesman or manufacturer when facing complaint about their product.
Re design with or without components with significant burn in drift, I do not have sufficient technical knowledge to decide which way is better, I am sure it is arguable. However, I think it would be very helpful for manufacturer to educate sales and the consumer how its products would change sonically after burn in. So for example, if I know a product would eventually be sounding brighter/darker than when it is brand new,then I have some fact to rely on in deciding if this equipment would be good for my system without keeping it forever, or well past the allowable return period.
On second thought, it is probably too much too hopeful for any manufacturer to do so. There is just so many variables, and there is no financial incentive.
Re design with or without components with significant burn in drift, I do not have sufficient technical knowledge to decide which way is better, I am sure it is arguable. However, I think it would be very helpful for manufacturer to educate sales and the consumer how its products would change sonically after burn in. So for example, if I know a product would eventually be sounding brighter/darker than when it is brand new,then I have some fact to rely on in deciding if this equipment would be good for my system without keeping it forever, or well past the allowable return period.
On second thought, it is probably too much too hopeful for any manufacturer to do so. There is just so many variables, and there is no financial incentive.