Conspiracy theory....

Bub has a fall out and reacts by saying he'll get rid of his mana. So, he tries the alternatives. But despite now wanting rid, nothing else seems up to the job. With none of that previous blind loyalty he'd often been accused of, his choice to still defend mana as a product shows it really must be that good!!!

So, he tries to go the DIY route. The patent's up, and it's the obvious route to follow. But still, something's just not quite right.

Despite his fall out and obvious desire to get rid/replace the mana, the negative effect on the sound just isn't worth it.

WOW! Mana really must be that good!!!

Meanwhile, all involved keep up the act and laugh about it in private conversation. Perhaps bub gets a discount and continues to grow his iron towers?

Just an idea of course