I'm impressed with Messicks and I haven't even done business with them yet. Their website alone has been very useful for me for reference. And I think they should definately get kudos on this site if they deserve it -esp. since they are available from anywhere.
I am very happy with my local dealer (small shop) and want to give them my business. When I did my 100hr service I gen'd the parts list from messicks site and went to my dealer to purchase. Their prices were competitive, so I can't complain there.
But if the relationship ever sours, or I have trouble getting stuff in a timely fashion, I know where I am going. I occasionally travel to Mechanicsburg for work, and plan to stop in next time I'm up that way - plus looking for acreage in their area - so them being local would be a plus
I would brag about my dealer here (actually I have), but as renze mentioned, wouldn't be much use to folks here other than the ones close by