My last thoughts on this:
Here's how to be a more savvy scuba shopper.
If a salesperson doesn't ask about your kind of diving and your experience level, be suspicious.
If they don't tell you why something might be better for you, be suspicious.
If they don't tell you potential downsides to a product, be suspicious.
If they can't answer a question and don't try to get someone with more knowledge to help you, be suspicious.
If they say the words "my favorite ....," be suspicious.
If they answer all your questions and the rationale seems solid based on what you told them you need, don't be a jerk and buy it used or online.