What is the view on break options these days? We all know why suppliers do them but are they more or less prevelant today than say 10 years ago?

Moreover did the credit crunch ensure suppliers adopt a more responsible attitude these days and do they even declare the liabilities of breaks on their balance sheets? (I doubt that very much)

The big suppliers pushed breaks as early returns generated cheap supply of casual rental machines but, as we know, one man's medicine is another man's poison.

I'd be interested to learn if break options is just a UK thing as I know they are not widely used in Europe. Forklift buyers probably can't believe their good luck being able to negotiate a 5 year deal and being able to opt out on each 12 month anniversary. Is there any other industry so generous in allowing customers an exit of their obligations?