I think the key is that if a beginner decides to go with a cheap factory rifle, then they need to realize the problems are related to poor craftmanship as opposed to the Flintlock System. I knew that by going with a Traditions, I would have to do some work to it, so I knew it wasn't just a flintlock problem. I ended up having to bend the cock so the flint would hit the frizzen at the proper angle. This is just onething that I had to do to get the durn thing to spark properly. In the end I replace the frizzen with a properly hardened frizzen, thined the frizzen spring a little, polished the frizzen spring, adjusted the sear, bent the cock forward 7 degrees, and I even ended up taking the lock almost completely apart and put it back together again. It was alot of work that I would not have been able to accomplish without PV's help, but I am so glad because now I really have a greater understanding for the flintlock.
My mission now is to get my hunting buddies hooked on flintlocks, and I believe it will take a really good quality flintlock to do that. I don't think they'll be impressed with my Traditions, but if I can show them a quality flinter that sparks without fail, then I think I stand a chance.