Re: The problem is not Dell (or Lenovo) hardware
The problem is the "Dell Product". Subtle difference. The only* way to buy "Dell Hardware" is to buy "Dell Product".
Presumably when a "Dell Product" has been signed off the production line for QA purposes it is the overall product that has been signed off, not just the hardware. It is conceivable that the product may fail if it is stripped of its' software, then re-initialised and alternative software rolled out upon it.
If this were to happen and you ring Tech Support to say "my system is not working" the techies will say "OK, let's install the factory supplied software. Right, now does that work?" "Yes then I'm sorry sir/madam, but this is a software problem." If a Dell engineer (sub-contracted to Unisys in my experience) were to come down to fix your hardware at your premises then they would do exactly the same thing.
*Except if Dell ships non-selling product through a "remainder-broker" where you could potentially buy "Dell Hardware" without the froth. But if something ships through that channel, would you be interested in buying it anyway?