Martin,
I understand and pretty much agree that it's unfortunate if manufacturers didn't confirm proper operation on probable new band allocations.
(although, it's possible that they did check it, found it didn't work well, and therefore didn't spec it as such....which I think is Jim, KX2T's point, which is what I was highlighting ---- it wasn't designed, nor marketed for, that band)
Whatever the case, my point was there is no such thing as a "perfect" rig.

Oh, and speaking of surprise....just a few weeks ago, I was surprised to learn about the new 8m band! An allocation at 40mhz, was a surprise to me here!

I guess I need to pay more attention, huh?
(while I'm uncertain if/when we here in US will get this new allocation, I'm happy for you all, over there)
73,
John, KA4WJA