you got me wrong, i dont mean to hold the order in an attempt to get a lower es or as a protest. That never works.
i was responding to the concern that one has to pay $100+ nrd without knowing the es - a point i agree with strongly but ss could careless. So all i was saying is just wait until the es is announced before PO. If it is the number you are ok with then order it, otherwise roll the dice and wait for it after release and pick it up for a nice haircut on the price. Just dont make that choice until the es is announced.
That's what i have been doing for a while. You guys have to realize ss just doesnt care, it's just a big entity like any other business there is no 1 person or persons you can complain to.
So wait for es announcement, if like then order
Then upon delivery, if quality is subpar, file a return and get a full refund.
Done and done, much less stress.