C rates are not arbitrary in my mind, they are a number that can be tested quite easily, especially given that Maxamps reportedly are in possesion of the necessery equipment.
You hook up the pack or cell to the equipment, increase the load until the voltage drops to various predetermined levels (3.2v per cell, 3.7v per cell for example), then plot the graph like you would when using an Eagletree (something alot of people do actually own).
With that graph, you can see how many amps are being pulled to produce the predetermined voltage levels, then its just a quick bit of mathes to see if the stated C rating is accurate or not:
4200mah lipo cell, rated for 35c, needs to put out 147amps @ ~3.2v to be concidered having an accurate C rating in my book, and most other people's books.
So, lets look at one of your graphes:
http://www.nitrokillers.com/showthread.php?t=1527
You state that you test the 4200mah 35c by hooking it directly up to the CBA and apply a constant 119.8amp load. So, we look at the voltage the lipo drops to, and its around 3.2v for the whole discharge, gradually dropping off to 3.0v around the 3.5 minute mark.
Now, if we do the mathe:
119.8 / 4.2amps = 28.5c.
But wait, I thought it was a 35c lipo, so that would be 4.2amps x 35c = 147amps.
Result = false ratings. And 130 degrees F is excessively hot, 120*F is accepted as the safe maximum. The high temperature would indicate thew cell is being over drawn at even 28c, let alone 35c...
The lack of discharge graphes on the Nitrokillers forum just adds weight to the arguement that MA over rates its packs, and doesnt want people seeing how they really perform. New cells, old cells, that isnt the important thing, as old cells were clearly over rated, but so why should new cells be any better?
Why the secrecy over how the cells perform if they're so good?
Why the secrecy over where you get the cells- I doubt anyone is going to swoop in and steal your contract with them, although...
... why the unreasonably high prices? I understand labour costs are higher in the states, but it doesnt cost $150 to stick on a piece of shrinkwrap and power connectors, surely?
And what about this little gem?
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21904
Granted they arent 100% identical, but 4x the price?
I would be tempted to buy some MA packs and compare them to my Zippies, and other people surely would too & compare them to their Hyperions and whatnot of a similar spec, but given the curious/vast price difference, I'll pass.