Nothing is free! Just because you get it for free does not mean it did not cost somebody something. When you call up to XYZ Knife Company and ask for a replacement screw or clip, and they send it for free, they lose money. Sure it is a nice perk to buying their knives, but it absolutely effects their bottom line. They still have to pay someone to get the part, put it in a bag, put a shipping address on it and mail it. Plus they have the cost of the screws themselves. Every company draws a line in the sand somewhere. I think saying one company is worse than the other because of what they will and want do is the difference. I don't think Hinderer or other companies mentioned in this thread got to where they are by providing crappy customer service.
Hinderer may not send you a free screw or two but what they will do is the difference. When you have a real problem and something is wrong with your knife, it is common for Rick to handle it personally. He responds directly to problems on his facebook page, sends personal emails and very often gets on the phone and talks to the customer. I will happily pay $3 for some screws to know that if real problems with my knives arise they are going to be handled in that way!