Kevin,
Boy do I feel sorry for you. I know the local store (which is one of the
nationally known stores not located in NY) that I shop at has never acted
anything like that. I look forward to every time I go in there. I wouldn't
be spending the extra money there if otherwise. All the employees there
knew and had let me play with the F5 months before I purchased it. Their
biggest weakest are special orders, so if it is something B&H carries I will
order it from them. Personally Kevin, if I were you I would call the
manager or owner and tell them your situation, and if you don't get a HUGE
apologize, tell them to look up how much money you've spent there and tell
them you'll be dealing with B&H.