And that's where the reputation rebuilding comes in. GM has vastly improved and continues to improve the quality of their vehicles but long term reliability takes time.

You can argue engine technology, transmission speeds, fuel economy, whatever new industry flavor of the month. I don't see the value of GM attempting to copy others. Yes, there are things GM has to do. You listed them so angrily in your first post. But, if GM were to do that - exceed Japanese quality, exceed European handling, brand new engines modern engines across the board, standard safety equipment at no extra charge, etc... how many people in the import camp would truly, legitimately consider GM? A good chunk of people would probably give the issue lip service and say yes but really it's still no. This goes back to the poor reputation and this would most likely push them faster towards bankruptcy.

And in the end, this may be no win. It has improved IQS across the board (which is the first step towards longer term reliability). It has turned the Cadillac division around with desirable products and cut loose Oldsmobile. It's making the safety push. And there's more GM needs to do, but in the short term, they've got to find their "300C/Magnum/Charger", something built with the older existing technology, something that doesn't necessarily compete that well but has captured the public attention and has enough good traits to hold onto these consumers when improved future products come out.

What GM can't do is just copy the competition. GM is a sinking ship, burdened with UAW contracts, pensions, health care costs. It doesn't need to be said that it would cost GM significantly more than any other automaker to build the same car. Investing in R&D is something they need to do for long term growth, but right now it's more important to take steps towards short term survival.

Attitudes like this:

don't do anything, because they essentially take the attitude that GM is screwed and there is nothing they can do to win back consumers.

In the end, I think this is a difference of opinion. I do agree with the fact that GM has a lot of things it needs to focus on and everything you (fastball) have said is valid. I just don't think GM has the time or the resources right now to let that pan out. They need a short term survival solution (a la Chrysler 300C) before focusing on longer term growth. And I think the only way they can do that is by building an American car (wholly American in feel that appeals to a broad American base) versus copying the Japanese/Europeans.