Both Phil and Neil have more knowledge about rods in there left thumb than I have and raise good points. So saying I can only relay what I've found from my own experience and I've done so without fear or favour.
Retailers are the ones that can send the best feedback to the manufacturers. The Veritas has the potential to be a better rod than it is currently in my opinion. But it still does the job and I know others who see m quite happy with them. That's all I would say on the subject.