Wow, this thread went south real quick, and it's a shame. It was clear when I saw this item that it was very similar to another, extremely well built product, fine. But I would agree that it's built (and priced) like a Ford rather than the Benz as the OP stated. I also agree with everything the OP has said about all of the guys "building and designing" the Taig based lathes. The situation is VERY similar, so let's not create a double standard. Quite frankly, having multiple suppliers for a product is good in almost every way for the customers.
People have been beaten up over Taig based lathes in several threads. And you are absolutely correct about choices being beneficial to "customers". But it is obvious that your point of view is that of a consumer. Perhaps if it was your design being knocked off you would feel differently.
To all of the opponents: We hear you, point taken. Tom can fight his own design theft battles if he chooses to do so. He could probably even patent the thing if he chose to do so. That was, and still is, up to him. This man's product is offered with different (less) options and frills, is at a different price point, and he has offered to do some customizing to it if requested to fit your lathe. Choices, and competition, are good for all of us. This industry is so small, that I don't think it benefits us to chase away all of the new suppliers.
In this situation there are three important parties; the original designer, the OP, and a potential customer. Each party sets their own line in the sand about when design theft is OK and when it crosses the line. Part of the problem with design theft in this industry is that it is so small. If only 10 units are to be sold in a year of this product competition in this example does significant harm to the original designer. Take this to a it's natural end and it is my belief that design theft does more harm than good.
Will the arguably better original design still be produced with the new competition? Will the original designer still offer new innovations or will they be kept to himself? Will a third or fourth option appear that dillutes the market to the point that all stop making the product available?