Just an update -
David contacted me via PM and we switched to email. I gave him a list of plates needed (common M35A2 stuff - no custom, no screening, no etching, etc - just pull and ship). He quoted me a price that reflected a military discount. He mentioned it could take three weeks to receive, but maybe quicker since there was no custom work at all. I Paypaled the quoted amount within minutes.
It's been three weeks and no plates. No reply to the email I sent checking status.
I realize that I'm not an "old timer", that I haven't met a lot of old timers personally, nor have I bothered to travel cross country and hang out at an east coast event.
What I am is a hard working sailor who has money that is just as good as anyone else's money and I deserve to be treated like a hard working paying customer. I understand that delays happen, but since I paid upfront I expect to be notifed of any delays and approve them. I am a customer.
I'm done with this topic and I will consider my money long gone. I have been insulted for daring to offering my experiences trying to BUY data plates from David and now I have cash gone from my wallet with nothing to show.
My truck will either have old faded data plates, I'll find another source or maybe I'll see David at a show and purchase in person.
Those who have not had any problems - good deal - I am happy it worked out.
This is MY experience, it's true and I can tell you it doesn't feel good.