One thought, RU breathing out through your nose when you are in diving situations? That can break the seal and allow water to enter.
I know that our LDS marks up personal items because they then give the students a 15-20% discount, and the end result is that they make a bit under MSRP. Sooo if you are NOT a student, or in the LDS good graces (they have provided me the *discount* on a few items I've got as I've done a bit of training with them) then you pay OVER MSRP.
I do NOT understand how a mask that does not leak in the pool suddenly starts to leak under diving conditions. Consider that the pressure on the mask in the pool is MUCH lower vs. most diving conditions, I would think the opposite would be true. In fact with myself it is true, I get more water in my mask in the pool then I ever do during a dive.
I tried about 10 masks during my OW training, and they all leaked a bit (I have a stach) so I just assumed that I could not get a good seal with my facial hair, which was reasonable. However I bought an XVision to replace my Mythos, and after five dives.. no leaking!!
As for not having places to dive in NY, I think you do, at least within reasonable driving distance. If I can manage to dive at LEAST every 2-3 months living where I do, you can certainly do better than I living in NY
Dutch Springs for example is within driving distance, and you could even hook up with the ScubaBoard dive thingy. I'd LOVE to attend that!