The concern with imported cast iron that is usually brought up is that it may have been made using recycled scrap iron which may or may not contain impurities you wouldn't want to cook in. Seeing as how it's not at all hard to find decent Lodges or BSRs for users at good prices, I would pass on the imports. And, yes, you do often see imports copying the Lodge notches, and also the BSR basting dimples, as well.