The release of the Ferocious Piranha redefined space combat.
This was not an exaggeration. Wherever the mech showed up, both friendlies and enemies had to shift their battle tactics.
Many outfits stubbornly resisted the need for change. They were already accustomed to using mechs developed by their favorite mech designers or sold by their favorite mech companies.
In fact, a fair number of established mercenary corps and security companies entered into favorable long-term contracts with specific mech manufacturers. While they usually weren't penalized for buying mechs from other companies, dedicated customers received generous discounts and extended after-sales support if they stuck to a single provider.
The Living Star Club set up by the LMC was hardly unique when it came to capturing customers.
Even without these contracts, there were other reasons for outfits to look away from the Ferocious Piranha.