[labdude]

Hi Don,
Yup....the "M" clasp mass production would probably be less expensive than the "I" clasp.
I was thinking, for about 2 seconds, that you could have an employee sit and spot those "I" clasps together per order you receive. If an employee wanted to work for 1.50 an hour. On top of the quality control issues, even with a manufacturer, those joints have to be right.
What the hell, some larger operations want an exclusive to sell the "M" or "I", more bucks for you. You now know what to expect and how better to deal with it. If they want to give you money for a 10 year of so "exclusive" go for it. The Inman Aligner goody bought you a couple of lunches I would think.
As for making the "I" clasp, for a single case, adapt the ball clasps and tack weld them to a straight cross wire to connect the ball clasps. Then a small bit of solder at the tack joints. It's quick and easy. But easier with a hot flame that will do the job quickly. Butane doesn't heat well enough to get the job done right without over heating things, and solder flowing to places you don't want it to go, like the ball part of the clasp.
Have a good day,
Mike.