Multiplex Magister (long post)

Guys, as Machette has mentioned recently, he's getting a Magister. He didn't mention that he and I are both getting one. They won't be other than a long term project and I'll use my MiniMag in the meantime. Shopping around for parts has brought up some issues, as well as pricing variations. I'd like to ask everyones opinion on the prices I've had and see what the consensus is.
Firstly, I found out that Modelflight are no longer stocking / selling AXI motors, something another lhs confirmed.

The recommended bl motor that works well with the Magister is an AXI 2820/12 , however, not being able to get one, I asked about an equivalent. ********* in Sydney said I should get this motor HIBMC3526-830. They said it came as a package with a 45A esc and a 10x7 prop from Model Engines for $179 - this was a quote over the phone. Annoyingly, in an email later, this price went up to $199, with the reason given that the original price was 'a guess' !! At the same time, on the phone, I'd been given a price of $159 for a 3S 3600 lipo, and, yet again, later in an email, this was increased to $179 and the lipo had gone from 3S 3600 to a 3S 3200. I did get an email quote on servos, there had been a recommendation to use HS85's with one having metal gears for the rudder / nosewheel servo, or, at the least, 2 x HS81's and 1 x HS85. However, I was shocked by the price - HS85's were $85 and HS81's $37 each.

Having worked on the original prices, the increases prompted me to contact the lhs (*note for Crawf - Budget Hobbies - not Hobbycrap). The first thing they commented on was that the motor quoted was only 830Kv and not suitable. They suggested a Himark 3520/1100, at a price of $75 with a Conquest 45A esc @ $105 and pointed out that they'd recently sold a Magister 'with everything' and supplied that motor for it. As a lipo, they suggested a 3S 3300 for $120 and, for servos, they pointed out that the HS85MG was overkill for the Magister and that the HS81MG would be fine for the rudder, with normal HS81's for the airelons and elevator. Prices they quoted were $23 each for the HS81 and $34.95 for the HS81MG ........... a substantial saving on the other pricing.

As both Machette and I are buying from the same supplier, I haggled a price of $185 each for the Magisters and we had hoped to negotiate a deal with ********* but their keen pricing seems to end at the plane.

Machette and I would welcome comments, suggestions, motor options and possible better pricing if anyone would like to comment.

Thanks guys