sharksdelight
While your efforts to help people out here are no doubt appreciated, your advice is a bit contradictory.
You're telling us to check out a sellers ratings on a website, yet you won't disclose who this "legit dealer back East" is ?? Why the secrecy ? Why not let potential customers deal direct and establish their own relationship ? I have a relationship with my favorite place to by my UW photography gear, Reef Photo. They are knowledgeable, go above and beyond the call of duty, out of the box solutions when necessary, they answer the phone, competitive pricing & free shipping, stellar service, and provide lots of VALUE. Plus they have an actual retail shop. I'm not trying to single them out or give them a plug, as there are many great UWP specialty shops to choose from. And no, I don't work for them either. I'm just a very satisfied repeat customer
I'm a big proponent of "value" and not just price. I can't help but think that some of the unfortunate consumers here that have been left out in the cold by H2O Photo, were "getting the best price" too. You can always "get a better price" on anything, anytime. Don't "jump over dollars just to save pennies."
Again, your efforts to help out are appreciated ! Not trying to attack you personally or thwart your efforts or concern for the betterment & integrity of this thing we all love and enjoy, UWP