Pittman-Robertson tax pays for public hunting land AND public shooting ranges. So we might be getting more opportunities to use airguns if they are subject to Pittman-Robertson.
It may be like my one 362 that "leaks". The bolt is smooth enough that it's possible to accidentally lift it enough the bolt doesn't seal. Have to check every time I go to shoot.
That's a tough one. I suspect yes, simply because PCP airguns WERE developed first, and suffered due to price. Top springers are still less than $1,000, top PCP $3,000+.
We want the $200 rifle to do everything perfectly, and the more expensive rifles betterer, and the more expensive, the more betterer!
Less sarcastically, I would say for $200 a PCP shouldn't leak, and have at least one pellet it will group minute of rat or pop can at 20 yards or so.