I'm not saying there isn't value in distributors but for myself I can't see any. To me they're just gatekeepers hooking up buddies that scratch each other's back with LEs and whatnot.

If distributors had mantiance shops like car dealers I could see some value, but as a new guy to the business I don't personally see any.

I'm sure this post puts me on a few peoples shitlist but all I know is of LEs were on a lottery from the manufacturer I'd have a shot. As it stands I'll never get one if I wanted it