Given I'm on hold with customer service, I have some time to comment
I don't know what branch you were in, but in the Army, there was ALWAYS ribbing and "contrasting" views among comrades (解放军万岁)
(and August 1 is the day).
I don't know which forums you belong to, but maybe you've never seen or experienced a flame war. Not a sight for the timid... I just took ALL the posts as contrasting views...
And a "photo bond" seems very tenuous to me; how many of us would come over and help you move a piano? (taken from one of my favorite 3 panel cartoons)
And while in subsequent posts you did clarify the issue, the initial post that drew the
contrasting views was the
A problem it's hell comment. I, and I guess others, didn't see it that way, given you yourself later admitted that it was all due to self-inflicted wounds.
PERSONALLY, if I'd called and couldn't get through, I'd use the website to place an order (my preferred method) as 1)there's immediate feedback, and 2)a written record. B&H has a great website for placing orders.
And at least they told you about a long wait. B&H does have a LiveChat function and while the people there might not be able to solve the problem, at least it's something to try while on hold. Personally, I prefer LiveChat as, again, there is a written record. And even with a long hold, put the phone on speaker and work on the computer, make lunch, read a book, whatever. I'd be thrilled that they didn't drop me while waiting...
And for the record, I have shopped at B&H and also Adorama, the latter probably being my first choice all things being equal, but then again, I don't buy all that many cameras... Now Newegg - I was on a first name basis with the will-call staff when it was open
Oops, customer service just picked up. Gotta go.
Given I'm on hold with customer service, I have so... (