What is most probably going on is the following:
Every OS product generates a revenue stream and if that stream is in decline the company needs to figure out how to restore it or they may drop the product. I doubt that OS, like any well-run company, develops a lot of nostalgia for its products (other than "boy, that one used to make a lot of money for us!") So, even though the specific manufacturing equipment has costed out, there are still fixed costs; for instance, the factory space could be used to make a more profitable product. Since the revenue stream consists of sales number times profit on each engine, and the sales numbers are undoubtedly sagging, OS needs to figure out how to increase profit on each engine to maintain its revenue stream. Otherwise, its by-by LA-46! And it can't increase price to increase profit, so it has to reduce cost.
So, it's "off to China we go." Here is the critical question: is it an OS plant in China with the QC being done by OS or has the LA-46 manufacture simply been contracted out? The Chinese, in the past, have been known to low-ball a bid based on a profit losing product (i.e., they provided a much higher cost/quality product than represented in their bid) and then once they have the contract, cut costs (including quality) like mad in order to get back into the profit window.
So, the good news is that they are still making the LA-46. The bad news is that it may not be a very good LA-46, or if it still is, may not be in the near future.
I suggest that one of you with a new, made in China LA-46 see if one of our engine guru's will take a look at it. There really are only a handful of them (as opposed to the rest of us who all just have an opinion and a Dremel tool); I'd suggest Frank Burns, Randy Smith, or Frank Bowman. That way, we'd know if the engine, as they are currently manufacturing it, is good.
If it turns out that it is still good, then you better buy one now rather than role the dice on "later."
Scott