Yes and using the internet as a stick to beat down there price is obviously helpful .
"I have demoed stuff and used the online world as a haggling tool "
"I view paying a little more under these circumstances as trying to ensure they are there In future"
Which is it ? You pay more even though you haggle. Or as you posted later, you knocked down there profit margin and alas they are no longer there?
"Hoist with his own petard". I fancy. This from the man who cried it isn't about winning, mmm ?
I bought my stuff online from a dealer who still has his shop. It was the best deal for 300 miles. The original dealer let me demo something that wasn't in stock , something they wouldn't let me return unless faulty and didn't offer an extended warranty. They are still open.
My Tacima block neither improved or degraded my eventual systems sound .