Hi Snug sorry i should have posted what the ETX is.
Here is another scope you may want to look into. This was the first telescope that i had and build quality is like the turat of a tank.
The TAL 1 or even if they do the TAL 2 which are classic scopes.
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/
http://www.telescopes.ru/product.html?cat=1&prod=7
Made in Russia
Build quality their is probably not much can compair to this apart from a Televue or a Tak. The mount is borred out of a solid piece of steel from the last time i bought one.
Cheers
Ian