I have an earlier version of the Rainier ... guess I should hang onto it!
Your CONS are valid ... they are cutting corners and think no one will notice.

They'll have to do better. I don't mind them leaving out the jacket liner, I have two already, but some of the other shortcomings are not good. I like pockets.

I find my '11 Rainier a fairly good hot weather jacket. Good venting, and the fabric itself seems to flow a lot of air. This is a CON in very cold weather, so you really have to "layer up" if cold, or do what I do ... I put on my Rain jacket which is sized to fit easily over my Rainier. Adds a lot of warmth and even more rain protection.

On my Rainier I replaced both with back protector and elbow guards with my own, custom ones. Far better. My elbow guards are dirt bike style and are the strap on variety. This way, I know they are in place and will be there to protect in a fall. Slip in guards can move out of position in a fall. Mine do not.

My jacket was made in Vietnam, new First Gear jackets, made in China.

If your looking for really good travel adventure jackets, check out
Moto Port and Olympia. Both doing interesting innovations.

I tested the TPG Escape pants too ... way too hot and sweaty for me. My leathers were better in heat! They suck!
Good in cold/wet only. Not for me, sold mine off cheap.