Well, I just got off the telephone with the guy. Interesting conversation with an interesting person. The guy is American if judging by the accent. Says there are several members on here that own the Type I. He did mention someone in Japan that was less than pleased with the stone he got (I believe he said this was a Type II and that it was a bonus on a different deal, and that he felt the guy was a bit spoiled since he got a great stone for free.)

Says supplies are a bit low now (something about the area being susceptible to flash floods this time of the year, and not willing to risk his neck going there before May). But he did agree to sell me a small type I (Nothing as bad as $180.00). I guess I will have to find out first hand about these. I'll let you know once I get it.