> Downside, I don't have $10,000+ to spend, and I doubt a high end shop would enjoy me running this experiment on their inventory. One thought that comes to mi

> Downside, I don't have $10,000+ to spend, and I doubt a high end shop would enjoy me running this experiment on their inventory. One thought that comes to mind: ask them if they're ok with you writing an article on your results, and crediting the shop. Then you're giving something back to them. They might even tell you more, if they know you're interested in certain qualities or situations.