Do the magazines reveal where they get their samples from? I assume that in most cases they get their samples directly from the manufacturer. Furthermore, I assume that the manufacturer is normally very careful to check the model before sending it.
I'm more inclined to believe S## than the magazines, who now are extremely reluctant to say anything remotely negative.
In the past, when I bought my (00) locos from my local model shop (sadly no longer there), Bill (the owner) would always test them on his test track so I didn't have the disappointment of getting home and finding that the thing didn't work.