Well, I had the same unpleasant experience. I have always enjoyed shopping at Lobaughs since I used to chat with him at the Seattle Garden Show while I picked out what I wanted. And then even last year I had a good experience shopping on line from them. THis year...they weren't open and I did something else for a little while and only one of the ones I was interested in was still there when I checked 20 minutes later. and it wasn't worth the hassle.
I just WON'T play this game. I enjoy growing new dahlias but I won't go through this whole manipulative thing.