[PapaBear]

I've never been to Japan, so I am completely unqualified to give you a firsthand answer to your specific questions. That being said, business is business and that will hold just as true for Koi as for anything else, and once again Japanese Culture is part of the picture.
An exclusive product carries more than one price. The dollar sign paid for the truly exceptional Koi is the last payment, but not the first. In any exclusive market place it is important to understand the root meaning of the word "exclusive". Not everyone gets to have a chance at the pick of the crop. Most will never even see them, including most dealers. Relationships are built slowly and the standing you or your dealer have with the breeders will determine what you are invited to see. If the breeder of top rung Koi doesn't know and RESPECT you, I don't care how much money you have, you will not be invited to buy his best Koi. It will be for someone who has earned a place of honor with the breeder. That is a part of old world Japanese culture that I hope never dies.
That is not to say that dealers and other customers will not be treated fairly. As shrewd in business as the Japanese are, (and they are excellent business managers), they will not dishonor themselves by treating you unfairly or dishonestly. But only those held in the highest esteem see the koi they consider the very best. You will see the best Koi they feel you are worthy of today. And they will probably be right in their judgement.
Now you might be asking yourself where I get off spouting off like this since I've never been to Japan to buy Koi. I grew up with a large Japanese population, and the nuances of their culture infuse every relationship they have. Those from the outside are invited in only as far as they have earned the right to go, which is a very good thing.