I am not sure what to make of this point of view...
If what is meant is Star Machine Works of San Diego is no longer in business, there is no backlog of orders from a healthy vibrant company, and there are other reloading companies selling presses, then I guess their day is over.
On the other hand, when we see how long a Star product lasts, that it still provides consistency, high value, and has a strong market among collectors and users that simply want the best construction no matter the age of the machine, then Star is alive and well and will continue into the future in a support and maintenance mode. The current Star Machine Works of Pioneer is definitely not the original company. At best, they are a hobby business without any noteworth efforts to market, encourage, or support Star users and the community of interest -- those that are able to get through or are aware of them will support the company, but do not expect SMW-Pioneer to venture out to meet the public or make any efforts to assist or encourage business. Many people are not aware that there is a company producing new parts and building machines. Some members have been mis-informing users as they have their own original parts to sell and see that there is nothing welcoming about SMW-Pioneer that will assure them of quality. Other users have reported great quality and been very happy. I tend to recommend all resources that will support a Star user. I certainly do not wish to suggest I am negative regarding any company or effort currently underway, I do not sense energy or commitment in any of the Star parts or providers to compare with that offered by Magma Engineering to support the Star Lubricator Resizer. Magma is helpful, friendly, responsive, and advertises. No company will gain the limelight without advertising, reviews, demonstration testing, and participation and interaction with users.
Regarding the value of a Star, condition is the key factor, and if all the parts are present and in working order. Few are able to judge this from a picture and there are plenty of documents on this site to cover maintenance and examinations for wear. The average price for a Star Universal is about $450 to $550 in good condition including dies and primer pickup tubes so it can be setup and put to use immediately. Some calibers are worth more, some less, and accessories do add value.
I must take exception to the claim that the Hulme is not desired or useful. It is the most useful additional accessory hardware one can add to the Star. It allows feeding of cases without need to handle each one individually. A Star Reloader with a Hulme will sell for about $100 more than one without. By itself, the Hulme averages $80 to $100 if all the parts are present. Usually the plastic tubes are not present, and will cost the user to purchase them. Be sure it has a top piece that will work for the caliber you want to load too. An alternative is to contact member TDO'NEILL as he makes new feeders, indexers, etc.
At some point in time, Star could return as a major manufacturer if the company was to re-organize around a good marketing plan, establish distributors and dealers, and gain positive advertising to point out the merits of the design that include being overbuilt -- it truely is lifetime quality. A Dillon will not last a lifetime, but you can be assured of replacement parts and wait for them. Nothing wrong with choosing what you want, but there are at least 120 people that have Stars because they are great machines that have already served at least one or two previous owners and are still working! There certainly was no effort to adapt or expand to meet demand of the market, or to find ways to offer levels of quality to compete with other brands, but I can find no way to criticize Star for making something overbuilt, or having such quality that they were able to have a waiting list.
Others have copied it, some improved on it, but few could equal it. I could buy 10 cheap presses and wear them out and still never get the consistency offered by my Stars.
