Originally Posted by
livedarklions
In the case of the Ottolock...
...the company specifically advertised 'this improved model can't be cut with tin snips'. I'd agree it's perfectly fine to widely publish that it can be cut with tin snips ASAP.
(Likewise with Litelok & TiGR 'can't be cut' advertising.)
I wouldn't call cutting resistance a hidden flaw that's not obvious to the public, though.
Now, if someone discovered that taking an .009" metal shim and laser cutting it into a particularly shaped hook and inserting it into just the right spot would release the latching mechanism, IMO privately informing the company of how and that you would release details on the flaw to the public in two months if they didn't fix it is more responsible than publishing a how-to video with instructions and dimensions the next day. Hmm, probably wouldn't get you as many youtube views, though.
PS - IIRC, Ottolock didn't accept LPL's initial findings graciously. In fact, again IIRC, they made some disparaging comments directed at him. At that point, all is fair.