if people think that the artificial manipulation of the market, by trying to force all business thru retailers will actually grow the market and then lower prices, well these people may end up sadly disappointed. it makes just as much sense in todays world as to try to reintroduce export licences, subsidies and other such artificial mechanisms to force people to spend their hard earnt dollars as others see fit. in the reality of the internet age it simply isnt gonna work.
in fact the major bulk of my equipment was purchased direct from the importer/agent at the suggestion of the senior marine guy at an auckland retailer. go figure