I can't add a lot to your post, other than to say it is my understanding that an engineer for Kenwood, who was apprently disillusioned with the direction of the company, broke off and started Kensonic Labs.
As a side note, an audiophile/technician that I know and highly respect, told me a while back that the Accuphase stuff is some of the best gear out there. I've been lusting after the E-202 and 300 amps ever since. Expect to pay $800-$1000+ for a good to excellent version of either one of these models.