First of all, if you went from racing in a rental boot then you didn't actually race. You are probably referring to the gates ski instructors set up for joeys so they can feel special.
I raced in FT Seth's for two years, freeskied in them, and did park in them. I destroyed them after two seasons as my go to boot for everything. Possibly the best boot I have ever bought because I could switch out tongues and liners and have a totally different feel on the boot for whatever I felt like skiing, as long as it wasn't race day. Race day some #10 tongues and a LV liner, along with tightening my boot a little more, and I got a very good feel for my edges.
I now have the income to own two pairs of boots, so I have a relatively cheap plug boot for racing and have some Tecnica Bodacious boots because I don't ski park much anymore and I have gotten into touring.
Don't come on gear talk to bash a company based on your stupid decision, go to a bootfitter. Most of the time they can try to shell fit you into a few different brands then do a liner and footbed shuffle to try and fight your foot to the boots you want or feel the necessity for. Any boot can be for any kind of skiing. Many park riders who go big actually use racing boots because they are stiff and perform very well, but only for certain types of feet. It doesn't matter what the label says or their marketing ploys, it's all about what works for you.
