Looks like you were right ther Tractorman - but only just
I guess I'm quite lucky. A Draughtsman by trade, but practical by nature, I tend to get to go on site when things are a bit pushed and get to use a lot of different brands as well as seeing them in use.
It's usually the guys with a lot of different makes in their site boxes that have tried various brands and bought the best for a particular job, so I tend to talk about tools with those guys instead of the ones who go for the same make no matter what the tool.
I've personally never come across that bargain basement tool that lasts a lifetime, but a few mates have. Guess I've just been unlucky there. Although I mainly buy 110V now, I still have a 240V Bosch sander that is coming up to 30 years old and still going strong - got it while still a student, so a BIG investment at the time.
I've tended to stick with Bosch when sending tools out to the tropics as they seem to be the most popular where I am based - makes sense if ever I need spares or extra batteries.
Good luck with your Makita Rich, I'm sure it will give many years service.