I get the impression that ATA is so popular due to quality for affordability. Like I said, I need to wait a bit on purchase anyway until funds are freed up so that wait is not a negative. But I will still contact the other guys and chat with them. I did run out to Lowe's last night for something and picked up a pack of 14 clamps for future use! Baby steps, right. I have the Dremel, drill, and other tools already.
Actually, on further review, since neither TE2 nor AM are presently taking orders, it looks like the option for US purchase boils down to ATA (or ordering from Canada -- AP or RT mod). Boy the info you guys have put together here is really amazing.