What I’ve found since the demise of Bridgeport is that surpluses’ seem to think they have a piece of gold. When I was shopping 2 years ago the surpluses wanted 2 grand minimum for a BMDC used. I mean really used! At least EMI is reputable and will refund,,,, good luck finding that any where else. My cost in 2005 dollars was 1,200 bucks. That’s not bad especially for a new board! On the other subject, I think EMI bought the rights from Bridgeport on some of the Bridgeport products what exactly I don’t know. But one I do know of was developed in the final days of Bridgeport & never released to the general public for the smaller machines primarily. It is enhanced machine parameters which in turn dramatically enhance the machines performance. I purchased a copy of this from EMI and loaded it in my little V2 and it has been well worth the 500 bucks. As far as everything else goes,,, your not the first person I’ve heard talk about this issue!!!! If you can catch my drift??