I shouldn't have to ask a favour just to avoid paying a middleman for doing nothing except put something in the post to me.
Should point out I have nothing against dealers in principle and in any case a manufacturer who sells direct is a dealer as well. And I don't mind paying extra for some consultancy, if it proves to be valuable, since that is value added and therefore a fair trade. It is paying extra for a stupid business model that adds nothing - as in the Achromat situation - that I dislike.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.