I think materials are far worse than they use to be. Seems like it takes very little to nick the insulation of of modern day romex.
Used to be the insulation was a lot thicker and the sheath was more robust. Same with the devices, they were much sturdier than the new cheap residential crap.
I think we're all a victom of our own creation.
Maybe if the conductors and the devices werent so easily damaged we wouldnt need the extra protection that they're trying to manufacture.
I partly agree about some of the jackets but we had some in the mid 70's that were very soft and easily torn. I think the conductor insulation is better than ever. I know it is not labeled as such, but I am sure it is THHN. THHN is tougher than any other I have seen, except maybe TFFN. Most Romex in the 70's had TW conductor insulation, as I remember. It was thicker but more easily damaged. Much softer. It was good for heat, as I recall but not abrasion.
I agree on a lot of the devices. Some of the ground terminals nearly twist off if not braced when tightening. I see a fair number of range outlets with poor quality terminals. Even had a Hubbell brand awhile back that the terminals bent out of shape when tightening. Sad thing when a "Cadillac" brand is so poorly made.
I despise the quality of a lot of lighting fixtures now too. I replace ballasts in a lot of troffers at my church. I will soon have to add screws to the lenses to hold them in, the latches are so flimsy. Even some expensive lights have dirt cheap sockets that are very brittle and easily broken. Hate to see them when they've been used a few years. I've replaced a few wall packs there with plastic lenses that burned up. I hate nearly all the weatherproof flourescent strip lights I have worked with. Many have cracked covers new from the box. The clips often fall off while installing and or when opening cover to replace a tube. Bad enough with cheap lights but those are high dollar. Same complaint with belly pan clips that do not hold at all, with lights costing nearly $100 each. A good belly pan clip is not rocket science.
Do manufacturers have no pride except in their prices?