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I think there's a ton of examples where this is true for lower level stuff like open source where you see the internals.

For commerical products it certainly exists too, for example in those cases where you know the product is built by one person or a small group of people who you absolutely know take extraordinary care to get all the details right, and it shows through as a really nice intangible feeling when you're using the product.

That (kind of rare to be honest) 'oh this is just really well done' feeling.

Websites no, but there have been many Mac apps that I have paid for even though a lower quality free option existed.

You're completely wrong.

Platforms that are obviously vibe slop are almost entirely ignored by those that value quality.

If your product has that cheap stench of AI I'll never trust it, I'll instantly think the creators are chumps and I'll look for any alternative that doesn't have that stench.

They all have that stench.