Same wave length. Typical dealers cannot afford the capital expenditures to import true high quality Koi for sale to the general public. Thus, the few they bring in are already purchased and in and out of ther establishments as quickly as QT will allow. The rare dealer(s) that are exceptions to this are worth their wieght in gold for a true student. Thus, the Koi show become a premier venue for this exposure...not all mind you but more than one may think as well.
Did you take a few trips to visit Fred, Mike? I spent hours there time and time again (while in Sacramento on business) and after about 2 years of this he opened up to me and we had very long conversations afterwards. Just speculating.
Steve