When my koi Kichi and I would meet Peter Waddington in Nagaoka, we would pack in the van and discuss what we wanted to see. Peter and Dennis had already made the contacts from a month before and knew who had the best crop of showa, or kohaku or what ever you were after that year.
I remember fondly what Don was eluding to in the Daiinichi tategoi greenhouse. I spent time trying to decide between a kohaku and showa
that I liked but could not afford both. Peter got down on his hands and knees and went over both fish carefully in the pond explaining both pros and cons of both fish and talked me out of the kohaku. The showa really turned out wonderfully. I was actually leaning toward the kohaku.
I honestly could not have gotten the advice and entrance into many places without their help. That service has value.....and I can honestly say I didn't mind paying for it as I learned. It was part of my "education".......
