I have several Leupold VX freedom scopes. That is awesome! When you purchase a higher grade Leupold are you getting stronger internal durability than the VX Freedom, I would expect so, likely a question better answered by Leupold! Doubtful many on this forum have disassembled many to check materials etc. or just better glass. I would expect much better glass, but the Freedom line looks nice though. Is internal durability equal across the grades? I would not expect it to be, again a question for Leupold as nobody likely has disassembled the various scopes to give a legitimate assessment. Also, I would not expect a Chevrolet Colorado to be as durable as a Chevrolet HD3500, but in its intended application still a viable option for some. I can only speak from personal experience, never owned a Freedom, have owned many VXIs, VXIIs, VXIIIs, VX3i's, MK4s, MK5s etc. over a period of my life. Never a failure with the exception of 1 silver one that had a small spec of silver flake off inside, and Leupold cleaned promptly. I also own 1 USA made US Optic B-25, again not a problem at all. I have acquired some Zeiss scopes through the years and never a problem, though hardly used, I guess I still have one a .22LR.
I realize this thread was likely started as a Leupold bash by the open-ended questions for the spread of propaganda, if not please accept my apology.
I purchase Leupold because they are a USA company, very high-quality optic.
Regards