I think you guys are overlooking a more likely possibility on the source of the wiring fiasco. I'm thinking the vendor that supplies the wire decided to use a slightly cheaper wire for their own benefit, rather than what Ford spec'd out for the car.
Seriously, you think Ford decided, "OK, for the Contour & Focus, lets use this cheaper wire, but all our other cars will get properly spec'd wire. Nobody will ever notice."
Considering the cost savings VS the potential liability, a company like Ford would not even consider it - management or otherwise. A small supplier of harnesses or wire vendor for that harness manufacturer might do something like that to churn that extra buck because that savings would have a real impact on their bottom line - new boat for the boss time.
I can just hear the wire salesman now, "Oh, yeah. That wire is the same as the spec calls for, you'll see. It's exactly the same, just a diffent label on the spool. We put that 'LIGHT DUTY ONLY' sticker on it just to keep one of our old computer component clients happy. Don't worry about it."
