[scottj]

I-Beam or H-Beam doesn't really matter. What does matter is the quality. Most of the cheap H-Beam rods are Chinese forgings from less than top quality steel. They are usually machined in the USA but to lower standards than premium rods. The cheap Chinese cranks are the same way.
While they usually are more than adaquate for street or moderate HP race applications, in a high HP endurance application the Chinese steel is prone to cracking.

The 2.100 rod journal makes for a lighter crankshaft and rod assembly. Winston Cup engines, both Fords and Chevys, commonly use 2.000 and the 1.888 Honda size journals. In addition to weight savings, smaller journals have lower bearing speeds.
Scott