@wasyoungonce: Hmm, so there's quite some variation on the 8". I didn't catch that... That actually makes it quite reasonable and definitely a "no-brainer" to buy locally.
Using OZ Scopes as an example for the other 2: 9.25 is $5750 and the 11 is $7950.
So, it seems the retailers here do have the capacity to reduce the prices significantly, given the 8" prices you showed, however they're not doing it for the higher end models.
And I do not disagree with you at all regarding the need for good shipping company, etc - it's just one of the many "hassles" to manage.
@Rod771: $3300 less - even if it's only $2000 less now, it's still probably worth it
Edit: keep up with edits in other posts.
