[oldE]

Sorry for your frustration.

We seem to be in an age where money is considered to be not only the yardstick, but the Most Important Thing.
So: many consider money to be of greater importance than integrity, or quality.
If you have a rational discussion with these folks, they will tell you that they want others to see them as honest, but their actions speak otherwise.

I think we are seeing the value of a personal connection rise in some circles. That's what the "old boy's network" was about. You did business with persons you could trust. It hasn't gone away, but it is harder to find.

That is one benefit to living in a small community. You know the person with whom you are dealing and you guage your risk accordingly. I suppose it could be considered one of the foundations of the "buy local" movement.

Best
Les