Apple never gave out any free products and look how many people have Mac books, iPods, and iPhones. Just using Apple as an example because I love it, never had any kind of issues. Except the price of course... But the same as gear, I'm willing to shell out the extra money for a good product. There should be no need to give out freebies to prove anything. If it's good gear then you will have loyal clientele always and forever. Not sure why sources want to make a quick buck over making way more in the long run. I completely agree that it is a way of using members to their own advantage to scam