Sounds like perhaps some bad luck, as you stated.
I was looking into their speakers last month and inquired via email about recommended Totems (based on my equipment) and dealers near to me. I received an answer within a day.
Since the nearest dealer to me was 2 hours away, I called Totem on a Saturday to find out more info on the speakers and they stuck Vince on the phone with me who spent quite a bit of time patiently answering all my questions.
I am now the happy owner of some Forests. I've even called Vince post sale for more info in regards to bi-wiring and at the end of the conversation he humbly thanked me for supporting his company/products.