Muishond

Thanks for all the responses. So took it in to CL Lynwood, and service dept. tech said he will send it in as it may be a warranty claim. Didn't ask if he's sending it to Scott or Shimano? He agreed that it should not be as bad as in my case but he does see it occur now and then - his opinion was I'd still be "better off in the long run" sticking with Shimano...fwiw... So from hubbers it seems to range from some who have no issues like this, and others who see it as a maintenance item to check and clean regularly. Personally I think this particular part should not have to be maintained after every ride/2nd ride or cleaned after every wash as is the case now. I would not have a issue with maintaining it every 1000-1500km or perhaps 200 hrs like the front shock. Anyway will see what they come back with.

Looking for opinions on course of action with regards derailler issues being experienced. Bike was purchased new Nov 2019 and used as per normal for an mtb, in other words on road and gravel trails. The use case would also include possibly riding in the rain, or through water.. The bike experienced chain drop/slack in May 2020 and I googled to find this a "common" issue on Shimano deraillers? Upon opening the clutch housing, I found it to be containing a fair amount of dust mixed with moisture, rusting and slowly eating away at the metal parts, causing the clutch to slowly seize. The rusting was no doubt helped along by the bike not being used for the lockdown period in April. I cleaned, lubed and closed up the cover and thinking I may need professional advice, contacted CL Lynnwood where the bike was purchased, and arranged a service. I specifically queried the issue around the derailler and dust and water entering the housing. The Tech admitted it should not happen, but can if I washed or sprayed bike and derailler with high pressure washer directly on the derailler or if I ride in the rain. I assured him I do not wash with high pressure washer, but I do sometimes as would be normally acceptable end up riding in the rain or through water. They serviced and lubed the clutch and I was cautiously confident the problem was dealt with. Alas, today I opened the cover to check and would you believe, the clutch mechanism and cover is covered in dust and moisture - on the INSIDE! I already contacted CL Lynnwood to complain about the part and it's poor quality in this case. I requested exchange as the bike should be under warranty (?) or at least the part should be. What else can I do or expect in this case? To me the derailler has a flaw and must be replaced as it is definitely not normal wear and tear.