I have done 4 China builds. The first bike used a cheap chines frame from TanTan cycles and everything else was name brand medium to expensive components - the bike wonderful.
then I did two other builds attempting to go “all Chinese” branded components (front and rear shocks, cf wheels, brakes, handlebar - I did go with a medium to low end shimano drive train. … however). Now I will admit my riding is standard trail stuff - no real drops and few jumps if any where I live , but I have to admit the unbranded Chinese stuff seems actually quite good for all my local trails.
so my question is …. you have a fairly robust build - you did not go budget on anything but the frame. Do you think if you did it again and used Chinese branded (and thus way less expensive components) you would still have had acceptable results?
Himalo 160/180 fork, DNM rear shock, Meroca brakes, Xiamen CF wheels for example?
If i would builds another bike ? definitively yes (i have ordered other one), i don't thik i will purchase another time one day an complete bike. i don't include economic factor in my choice, if you want the cheaper, second hand complete bike or in destocking will be always cheaper. i love build and you can find only in chine ebike frame, riding DIY bike is a lot off more pleasure than an purchased complete bike.
If i will builds only with chiness components ? i don't think so, i can find here (in EU) in destocking high quality component with history on efficiently and rliability for +- the same price than china. The most interest is that they are easly maintenable, you can find easly spare parts, not for the chinese products (more easy to purchase new one). i purchase and i store when i have opportunity and i have all timme any parts to buils 1 or 2 other bike. But i have nothing doubts that china can produce high quality items. i leave another to test and perform return, may be i will purchase then by curiosity.