So, what would you buy, if you didn't really "need" anything at your LDS... I know, in scuba the word need has a very loose definition!
Tough question, because of the caveat about the meaning of 'need'. I have five things I would spend $1200 on. The only problem is, for some of them, the $1200 is only a (healthy) down payment.
nimoh:
if you asked me last week, it would be a Halcyon 21W/13.5 HID dive light
Some people would say a good can light isn't a 'need', rather a desire. But, a new one would definitely rank in my top 5 choices.
ktkt:
I would get a drysuit, but then again, I don't live in Florida.
I agree, because I don't live in FL. I would use the $1200 as a down payment on a second drysuit (I don't think $1200 would get me where I want to go). I have a good suit, and I 'want' a second one.
Also among the five, one would be to buy several NC coastal charters - on the Monitor, for example, and on some of the deeper (>200ft) wrecks (like the EM Clark). Of course, in NC we have some coastal charters that are both great, and easily accessible, so it makes sense for me.
Closely related, but a different choice among the five would be true dive travel - to the Gallapagos. Again, $1200 wouldn't do it in entirety, it would just allow me to convince myself to spend the additional money.
nimoh:
Also a top 5 choice. My Mako just isn't fast enough. The $1200 would put me almost halfway to the new Halcyon that I covet.