Indeed - I totally agree. Perhaps, since you know Bob, that could be arranged? I'd be WELL up for that!
However, I'd still love to find out what crystals both T/Ts use - for the simple satisfaction of knowing if the one in the Monarch is technically superior (even if not in practice). If it isn't any better, we can discount that as being the reason why the Monarch might sound better than a Techy.
Marco.