Would you pay to audition speakers

This is why brick and mortar and many businesses are in trouble they forget about the basic fundamentals of selling. Its called "value". If you offer customers a good value by combining customer service, professionalism and convience you will build a sucessful business. Some customers are tire kickers, some will buy online. But many if they have the financial resources will prefer to purchase from someone who provides time saving service.

If you walk into a store and you know more about audio that the person in the store, then maybe they have not earned the right to be your dealer. On the other hand if you walk into a store and they are able to show you better ways to do things then they may be worth the extra money.

$ 500.00 black mail does not seem like a good way for a dealer to earn your business. I would look elseware. Or buy speakers here and resell if they dont sound good in your system. It will probably still be cheaper.

Another point to remember is that in sales the object is too make the sale and not everyone will pay full price.
So smart dealers do just that, Make deals. I have purchased some of my ARC gear new from a dealer who wanted to make a sale, even if not at list. I prefer to purchase cd players especially new with a warantee if the used to new spread is not that great.