That said I've been informed that if you supply your own butterfly brace, pricing for fitting only would be around $160.
At this point I've not heard from FM

Agree it gets a little delicate with local suppliers sometimes with group buys but from a business perspective you'd have to ask yourself if your better fitting items and getting paid instantly or outlaying funds for items that could have a small profit margin in a group buy situation and many weeks lead time (unless we all pay upfront and thats something completely different). I just think if we share the love around we all do ok.