Perhaps some good will come of these cheaper bulbs coming into the market, by driving the prices down a bit on the high-end bulbs (the ones that have been proven through years of use and testing).
I agree that it's odd we aren't able to scrutinize a new product (one that we're already spending money on, in effect becoming beta testers), without causing a storm of controversy and threats from the supplier...
Very odd behaviour indeed.
I understand that a new product line can be exciting, especially if it generates good buzz and if the distributor feels he is doing something worthwhile for the reefing community (which seems to be the case). But its' going to take time -and work- for this relationship to be established. It's not good to be putting on a sour face this early in the life cycle of the product, and possibly alienating those which have already shown some support in cash and good faith.
Poor form...