Don't overlook the fact that the mechanics making the complaint are in contract negotiations.
Are shortcuts taken in 2019? Yes.
My last starter failure occurred thanks to no fluid in a freshly installed starter assembly.
Does maintenance have pressure to do things faster? Yes. Does maintenance have pressure to overlook? Yes. Do mechanics get pressured to hide issues or take "shortcuts?" Yes.
Does this surprise you?
Good morning. The sun is up. This is the world in the light of day. Dreamtime is over.