Yes the early Mccormicks definitely had some issues. Once they purchased the Doncaster plant and the old Case models I think they cheapened some parts, definitely transmissions, to try and gain an edge over the Cases. It worked because lots were sold and prices were very keen. However long term it's left them with a legacy as a cheap brand with quality issues. An imagine it's hard to overthrow despite the huge improvements made.We used to have a Landini legend 120,cheap and basic.
Issues are reputations are built from tractors working over the last 20 years.
If you are in for the long haul then the tractors you build today have to be designed correctly,have quality components and be easy to repair.
It still sticks in my mind where there were cheap either nylon bushes or o rings which were manufactured incorrectly and gave massive issues with some McCormick models.
One days production of one bad batch of components can destroy a reputation and put customers off for 20 years.
Valtra had a circlip issue recently and had to recall quite a few tractors with major surgery on the gearbox.
Its the long game.