Like so many other cases these days, it remains to be seen if this is really a "functional improvement" or just someones way of copying another part to make a buck. It's sad the number of "shops" making the same things as other "shops", some with no understanding of the real reasons why, just the desire to "get theirs". Those of us that have been around a while understand the benefits of building working relationships with others in the business, selling them what we build at a fair price so we can offer their products to our customers, helping BOTH companies to grow and build reputation, benefitting more than just one person or one company.
Like I said, I've got 2 of Bobs spacers, no fit problems, no leaks and no problems with plumbing. Not really sure what needs to be improved. I've talked with Bob about offering them to my customers, but haven't pulled the trigger because there just isn't much markup in them due to the small quantities he's producing. I've got the contacts to make my own, we already do custom machining, anodizing, etc...but ripping off someone elses part is classless and douchy. I will continue referring people to get the part from Bob (or suck it up and live with whatever margin he can give me) before I will ever rip him off. That's the difference between shops that care about the business relationships they establish and those that only care about making a fast buck though...
So, what kind of shop do you want to do business with?