In or around 1999, Amway Corporation re-organized their corporate structure. A new Corporation was formed as an umbrella for 5 seperate companies. Alticor is the new parent company; Amway became the MLM for Europe and Asia, and Quixtar was formed for North America. So yes, Amway and Quxtar are related.

I object to the notion that a "pyramid scheme" is the same as Quixtar or any other Multi-level Company. Although many MLMs are deemed "illegal pyramids", simply stating they are a "pyramid" based on structure, is distortion of the legalities.

A "pyramid" has a legal definition, despite your correct assumptions on some flaws in the MLM structure. But Amway/Quixtar is "legal" by definition of what makes a company an "illegal pyramid" versus a proper MLM structure.

And some "legal" MLMs have done some illegal things, so caution in choosing an MLM is always advisable.