Could that 'crap-eating grin' not been a deliberate embellishment? I think I'd prefer my Jazz with a bit of cockiness.

G1 Bruticus isn't better than Encore Bruticus because it was made in Japan
I think that's a point that could be argued simply by saying Japanese-made anything is better than Chinese-made anything. The Japs, like the Germans, are commonly known for producing high quality products.
The Chinese...not so much.