I think that thread stated the burners and whatnot are the same as 2017 models. So if those don't last as long as whatever the Genesis has, that'd be cause for concern. Or not! It's a cheaper grill! But the open frame chassis has "got" to last longer than the rust-attractor now offered.
I'm still fascinated by the industry's aversion for nearly the last 20 years, to owners being "forced" to see their LP tanks. Even today, on this forum we've derided Weber's choice on the new Genesis to not completely hide the tank. The horror!
"Honey, don't have the guests sit to the right of the grill. Move the dining table. Can't you see the TANK is exposed?. Get one of the kids to paint it or something. ANYTHING, for God's sake! They'll be arriving in 30 minutes!"
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I really don't follow any of these grills very much, and have never known what the core Spirit vs. Genesis differences were in recent years, or are, going forward.
But "going forward" is the point of my thread here, to learn if the 2018 models can be judged by what they offer, not by what the previous models did.