Interesting?? I've had mine a year now and can't say enough good things about it. Used it all year (yes, hitting balls) and the hinge is just fine. Also, in my most recent post about goals set for 2005, I talk about reaching the 3 goals I had set for myself
1) Shooting below 40 (a 38), my previous best had been a 41 a few years ago.
2) Consistently shooting 40-42 (That was the norm this summer).
3) Conquering hole #6 on my home course (improved over 70%).

I'm sorry you didn't find the Refiner to your liking but for me I'm 100% satisfied and always have it in my bag.