If I recall, Digin' had a similar problem with a K650. I guess I've been lucky - I really haven't had much of a problem. But I will admit that after 100-200' of cuts for a single project on a hot day, the saw will cut out on me and not start again until it's cooled off.
I've got 2-K650's, 1-K950, and a TS-400 for cutoff saws. The Stihl TS 400 was the first cutoff saw I've purchased, and it still runs. However, it does seem to have a bit less power than the Partners. The two things that sold me on Partner over Stihl were:
1) The distance between the throttle and the opposite hand grip. This distance is much greater on a Partner, which results in better control of the saw. You really notice it when using a Partner for awhile then going back to a Stihl. Less control = less accurate cutting.
2) Vibe protection. I used the Stihl for about 4-5 hours one day, and two fingers on the throttle hand went numb for a few days. Just vibrated the nerves too much, I guess. Worked out OK, as I had an infected cut on one of the fingers, so I was able to scrub the heck out of the wound without feeling a thing.
The filtration system seems better on the Partner, but it's hard to be critical of the Stihl when it's still running after 6 years.
And I do like the starter cord for the Stihl better.
I've put their cord on all the Partners.
As for that Target saw, I'm pretty sure it's a different saw from Makita, Dolmar, etc. Actually, now that I think about it, the Target saw looks a lot like the Husqvarna saw.