That depends on your purpose. If it's just for function (water buffering and building blocks) then it really doesn't matter. If you are trying to develop a show piece tank, then yeah, pick it out in person and pay through the nose for it. If half the rock is nice, I will still make out in the deal compared to prices at the stores. I can always leave bad feedback for the guy too, so it is in his best interest to send nice rock. My guess is that if the rock is nice, a few people here will take a shot with him; if, not, then he has lost a few sales just from this forum, not including what people may think from my feedback.