Caz....
Congrats on making your purchase and finding a high quality dive shop. These are very rare and you need to patronize (and promote) this place like crazy. The other benefit to buying locally that you didn't mention (or having discovered yet) is that when you become a frequent customer, you will be amazed at how many freebies and discounts you will get (Such as free air fills, or the chance to test dive the latest gear). And this will more than make up the $70 you mentioned.
Also, once Lady Diver and King Neptune get Neptune Divers Int'l up and running, stick with us since there are several members of this board in your area.
Also, I'll be headed over there eventually, so I'd love to have the chane for you to "show me around" underwater.