It's not a big deal, I likely enjoy the planning as much as the trip. I just don't see the sense in losing 600 because you wouldn't give up 25 that you gained in assets by me not using your gear anyway. Especially if they are suffering as you described.All my questions have not been intended to address this specific dive center and your own specific situation. But it could be "the other shop" is a sort of franchise and has other costs to cover. I cannot know, and probably you do not know either. Sorry you did not see the joke in the eating comparison. In real life I eat pretty limited and hardly ever in a restaurant. I wish you enjoy your trip more than the booking procedure.
I am continuing my search and think I found someone I will be very happy with. They come highly recommend and will give me 3 night dives, a private guide, and 5 lunches for about 45 more than the shop with the bad rep, inconsistent policies, and inability to manage the situation to earn my business.
So, it's all good, things happen for a reason.