What is becoming more obvious to me by the moment is that many LDS operators don't understand the most basic concepts of marketing.
Don't they realize that when you bring your gear in for servicing you are supporting them? It's also an opportunity for them to earn your future business. I hate to say it but businesses run that badly deserve to fail.
Hmm, having the LDS spend $50 to send in your Galileo Sol to Europe for you because you bought it online to save money or making you send it to them yourself.... that seems like a no brainer.
How does the OPs LDS get any support from him by the LDS paying to send it to Scubapro Europe?
Had this been any item the LDS could service, say his regulator, then sure. The OP taking it in means he would pay for the labor and get free parts. That is supporting the LDS.