To continue the thread derailment--is Vortex really the right company to go to for this? Since we're talking about (what sounds to me like) a serious departure from the Poker/Pure already, and Vortex seems to have a habit of dropping out of contact for long periods of time, delaying shipment, etc., perhaps another company could be considered?
I'm afraid I already know the answer, but has anyone worked with an American or European manufacturer? The prevailing wisdom is that costs go up, but I wonder by how much?