Harry, the steel bushings you use attach with screws and are a very different item from the type we use with a threaded shaft and nut. Porter Cable which sets the world standard in routing manufactures steel bushings with the threaded shaft and nut. Experience has shown that the brass bushings do not vibrate loose the way the steel bushings do. This is the reason most aftermarket manufacturers produce brass. There is the added argument that it is safer to use around bits, we know steel can chip carbide where as brass can not. This is not to say one way is better than another. Bosch manufactures steel bushings which do not attach with the shaft and nut design so the vibration problem does not exist in their old style 2 screw system or the new quick release system. The market is driven by popular demand and since brass PC style bushings work better than the original steel bushings, fit more routers, are available in more sizes for less money you will see there are a number of reasons we recommend brass. The only bushings we do not recommend are the plastic bushings since they tend to flex and get trimmed by the bit causing failure. Steel bushings are the only answer for parts of the world and they do the job just fine. Perhaps you understand now this is not a fetish but just being practical for most members.
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Mike
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