I would disagree respectfully - even the bigger companies such as Granite Gear are still tiny compared to say Gregory or Kelty. They are more cutting edge, quicker to respond to new trends - they just have gotten distribution, allowing them to make more money...which helps in us consumers getting more choices.

As well....just because REI carries it doesn't mean it is easy to find it - often items are carried on the website, not in stores - meaning that often the items would rarely be noticed by a person not knowing the exist.