I happen to think that drop-side cribs are essential, if not helpful to say the least, for a number of reasons.
1) If you are pregnant with your 2nd or 3rd or 4th child, and they are close in age, it's impossible to bend into a crib to pick up your near toddler with a belly, especially when the mattress is at the lowest setting.
2) It is extremely helpful for grandparents to bend into a crib without straining their backs. For most grandparents, they are unable to bend into a crib that doesn't have a drop-side to begin with!
3) It is essential to have a drop-side crib during c-section recovery. And no, not everyone has space in their homes for a pack n play, bassinet and co-sleeper. I was a true minimalist when it came to "stuff" - we bought the crib for the babies, so they used it from day one.
4) 5' 2" and shorter?? HELLO??
Anyway, my MAIN point is, if you're going to buy any item for your child, whether it's drop-side crib or infant car seat or high chair, take the necessary precautions and do your due diligence, research the mechanisms, read the reviews, know where it's made, and first and foremost, don't buy a cheap-ass one!
I just feel a nationwide recall for a product that has been on the market since the beginning of time is a bit extreme. Maybe they should regulate which companies are making the cribs, the safety measures being taken and control the quality of the product?
This is very similar to the irresponsible parents that had their kids in slings and oh, forgot to make sure they were still breathing, or whoops, didn't secure them properly!!
