Yeah, the pro-Kemper comments here, nor the pro-Axe comments there, are not surprising (I fully expected it), nor are they problematic (I want to hear what people love about their choice/device).
Re: the community, I've found helpful folks on both sides, though their constant harping on my complaints about shipping costs is annoying. $80 shipping for two items totalling 20lbs is just nuts, no matter how many times they say, "It's worth it. Just get over it." No thanks. But otherwise...at least so far...both communities have been helpful.
Just another two cents for shipping with Kemper: I have the toaster and recently sent it back in for warranty work on the LED's. Response was very good from starting a support ticket, which I assume originates in Germany, to USA's Rep contacting me. To my surprise I received an email with prepaid UPS call tag for the KPA to be shipped out. The unit was fixed and returned all on their dime. Good as new and ready to go, can't beat that!