chris_b, let's put it this way - I'm sure those stores and people are there to service people who are truly interested in buying products/services from their store. They aren't in the business of stocking items for you to try out that wetstuit/reg/gear and then have you buy it elsewhere. Online stores don't have a showroom for you to try on and thats the limitations that you're dealt with when dealing with them. Exploiting a store to get around the problem is in my opinion - unethical.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying buying online is unethical, just exploiting a store the way some do and then not patronizing them. They may not say it, but believe me, they aren't their to service their competitors.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying buying online is unethical, just exploiting a store the way some do and then not patronizing them. They may not say it, but believe me, they aren't their to service their competitors.