I notice a lot of reviewers buy the sample piece

Industry accommodation pricing, which is below dealer cost (dealer cost typically is 60% of msrp). 

Includes a a commitment to keep the gear for a period of time, at least a year. Some gear is shipped to reviewers under extended loan. 

Not it all reviewers are Boy Scouts, though.

Buying the gear is a critical endorsement-.ie, putting your money where your mouth is, but it's not entirely genuine. The phono cartridge which just got a rave may cost you $5000 but it might cost the reviewer $2000. 

not only is the purchase an endorsement, the item is then listed as part of the reviewer's reference system for a year, which is also great advertising...

Reviewing has its perks I'm sure. 🎁

If there is a competition for new threads by a Audiogoner, 'taters' would have won it in a heartbeat....LOL!!!