George,
I have been in the hobby since the 60's and I have heard these same stories time after time. I understand the theory of down payments for small importers and I understand why they do it but I don't agree the hobby customers should. I never have in the past and never will in the future but for those that do, its your money.
I have missed a few items due to my stand but that is how I feel. When it arrives I inspect it, test it and if it passes, I pay for it, never before.
Dave