I just found out about this thread and wanted to drop in my 2 cents. I make a device called the Stribe that uses SpectraSymbol's "softpot" sensor product, and so I am probably biased, as the success of my device largely depends on my relationship with SpectraSymbol. I also think they are really nice guys. That said, maybe I can provide a little perspective.
When I requested my first sample packet from SpectraSymbol about a year ago, I told them what I was looking for, and they sent me a nice package of 4 or 5 different samples of sensors and membrane buttons. One of each. No questions asked, and it included a nice letter and a shiny brochure and datasheets and everything.
What big93 did was ask them for specific stuff: 3 of this, 3 of that, a couple of these, a pair of those. He already knew what the sensors do and how they work, so he wasn't really getting them to "find out" if they're what he wanted - he wanted freebies. I admit I was trying to get freebies, too, but I was happy with whatever they sent me. In my case their investment paid off and they got a loyal customer. big93's request sounds a lot more like a custom ORDER to me, not a humble request for samples of a very expensive product. I think the e-mail from David Marriott was gently implying this by explaining how much it would cost him to make a "real" order.
With that many sensors, big93 could build an amazing controller and never talk to SpectraSymbol again. Then tell everyone he got the stuff free, and everyone else would try the same thing. Even less reason for them to send a customized free sample.
Keep in mind, 6 months ago the only way to get these sensors was through a single hobby site. And their price? $75 EACH!
I was thrilled with my assorted free samples, and was able to make experiments and work towards building my prototype. Through further inquiry I found out about the softpots, and developed a great relationship with SpectraSymbol through polite and respectful communication. They even let me order less than the minimum at first because they realized I was a little guy - but I'd convinced them I was motivated and had a real project going. I sent them my drawings and so on.
After doing a group buy of softpots to get my own prices down, and seeing the huge interest in the product and how hard they were to acquire in small quantities, I suggested to SpectraSymbol that they try to approach some hobby sites. I made a very strong case for DIY / hobby electronics as a fertile market. I made the case for micro-businesses like Adafruit and Sparkfun and others. I gave the whole speech about the modern innovator and the little guys - the DIY 'manifesto'. Then I gave Daniel a list of sites that I thought might be interested in carrying softpots.
I COULD have argued for becoming the sole distributor, re-branded the product as my own, and set whatever price I wanted. Instead I vouched for this community and convinced a company that is doing just fine selling to the medical market to expand into the hobby market. Hooray for me! Whatever. My point is this formerly very-hard-to-acquire product is now going to be available to everyone.
@paulb: I'm sure you're a nice guy and your intentions are good, but posting the pricing online like that... I feel it's a violation of the trust SpectraSymbol placed in you as a potential distributor of their products. I think it makes total sense for them to set a suggested retail price for their own product based on their business model, and perfectly reasonable for them to expect you to keep your special distributor pricing confidential.
I agree with whomever suggested changing the title of this thread, as I think it reflects poorly on this community and could hurt all of our relationships with a cool little company that makes a unique and very desirable product.
BTW I think David Marriott is the President of SpectraSymbol, so you shouldn't worry about offending him by going over his head.
Oh, and as far as the shipping goes the high cost is because they insure them for a lot. The first time I held a bag of them in my hand I was like, "I'm can't believe I'm holding $1000's of dollars."