Is'nt it intersting that most of the replies envolve small companies. There is another thread about buying from different size companies at the moment, but one advantage of small ones, does seem to be a more personal, friendly service. May I confirm and add:
Lou hinckley at Daedalus Audio
Dan at Modwright
It may just be you tend to get to speak to the boss, not a 20 year old receptionist.
I am sure you get people on a bad day too. I spoke to someone at Cary audio about a UK supplier, there had been one. He just said there was'nt one and put the phone down.