I'm afraid that to me, using the term "build quality" when referring to panel fit on a hand built utility vehicle is ridiculous. The term should be reserved for things like failure to lock key bolts in oil pumps and electrical problems such as oil penetrating engine harnesses, and unlubricated gearbox output shafts and rear axle drive flanges.

Where you are getting off track is comparing the Defender to a conventional vehicle. There is nothing comparable, except the Santana (not available here), which is a development of the Series Landrover as well.

John