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Id question it. Iv been doing a lot of reading up on this and seen a lot of youtube vids now and it seems to be that pipe bending is a lot harder and expensive to do since decent computer controlled mandrel benders cost over 25k and price goes up sharply from that if wanting a unit than can do 3 inch or larger pipes. Various forums and blogs i checked (yes got a lot of free time) say welded joints are areas where there can be a restriction in flow due to the weld not being smooth inside the pipe and also being failure points where corrosion can start at. Generally it seems to be that exhaust builders that dont want to outlay the cash for a cnc mandrel bender go with welding which is a cheaper option for the shop. Im surprised since a shop that does so much exhaust work hasnt invested in a proper mandrel bending machine. The sharper bends are done with machines that fill pipe with sand or real expensive ones use liquid like water called hydroforming. Interesting videos to watch on YouTube.