All very good and valid comments Josie, could not agree more with what you have said, I had exactly the same problems, when you do not receive goods and you do not receive replies to queries, alarm bells ring.
I also believe that some of the comments aimed at you are out of order, as you say not everybody can afford (or see the necessity to have a huge so called grey army, what is that all about? ) a back up figure.
I also believe some of the regular people on here need to take a look at themselves and the way they conduct themselves in here towards others, it can appear very cliquey ( I think "closed shop" is an expression that has been used recently) and as for the pithy,childish and unhelpful comments how do you think they have helped someone new to this site and maybe to modelling? Its not big, its not clever, and it certainly is not helpful.
I must also add I think it is the few rather than the majority that have this attitude the rest I thank you for the ability to look at your high skill levels in this genre of modelling.
Lastly I have to say that when my figures eventually arrived , 6 weeks and numerous attempt to contact Maurice ( 8 days after being invoiced) and a additional 8 days to receive the missing parts, they are truelly excellant.