visits to the Hard Rock for new releasesis contrary to your view that "there were many many people at HR other than NIS people, i assume collectors and devotees". My recollections and conversations led me to believe that it's "a money thing". It seemed to me that the people in line were, for the most part, in it for profit...whether it was selling to an NIS person (and many were paid to stand in line by NIS people) or to sell on their own. I made the trip from LA because I wanted to be assured that I got MY chips, I love the solitude of the drive and I needed a "Vegas break".

Another reason that you may not be getting the response that you're looking for is friendships. I don't know what kind of friendships you may have developed since the beginning of your involvement in this hobby, but I have noticed that a lot of what is done between "chippers" is done because of the friendships that have developed, and a number of these chips are probably being exchanged between friends...which explains why I don't have one either!! Steve B