Davey
look at it this way (remember I own an Engl, till I get money for it next month and it's gone anyway) and have looked inside.
It serves a purpose at , mostly, a good price.
Think of a ferrari and an Mitsubishi Evo. The Evo can hang with the ferrari round many roads, it aint built so well and costs less but gets the job done.
As for ribbon cables, I agree, the build is'nt as anal/meticulous as some higher price amps but, I worked offshore for over 13 years as an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Superintendant. These mini submarines are state of the art and cost over £1,000,000 for the sub alone, foget the titanium robotic arms, S.I.T. cameras etc., and they are full of ribbon cable. Why? cos it does the job and does it WELL. Out of all the electrical/electronic issues I ever had it was very rarely a ribbon cable.
The point is, to me anyway, Engl is getting dearer. For the SE/Invader price I think there are better made choices. Now thats not to say those choices sound better, they are just built better with better parts and more care/attention to detail.