>Of course there are also a small handful
>of very good independents, but I've only found one during the
>past 35 years (or so) of photography.

In Canada, you aren't even facing this situation right now, if ever.

I've been in photography for about half that time, and I found one good independent repair shop, on my very first try as luck (or thorough research) would have it. One is all that I need though. I don't really care how good or bad the workmanship is at the other places, because mine is good, so I use them. And they're going to lose half their business if Nikon succeeds with this move.

I won't be able to even order more PC terminal caps on my own after this thing goes through. Thankfully the ones I ordered came in.

The bottom line is to keep free choice as an available option. If you're against this, that is fine. But there is no need to discourage others from signing a petition that, if nothing else, might not accomplish anything. At least someone tried. And there is a chance it may even actually accomplish something. I personally would like to see the few good independent shops stay in business.

An undeniable paradox: To think that there is any such thing as an absolute rule is at worst naïve, and at best, shortsighted. There is no such thing as an always-true, all context- or situation-salient, absolute rule that always holds true…including this one!