Lupin

I am also a big fan of the suunto watches. The vector is great but is you want a smaller, more durable, and actually a bit nicer looking (if you are going to where it every day) the suunto observer is a great choice. It has all of the same features of the vector (altimeter, baromter, temp, time, compass) in a sleeker design. The case is stainless steel and you can get a few different band types (plastic titanium etc) It retails for $300 but you can find it for cheaper if you look around. They are also very quite accurate. Just make sure you calibrate your compass out side and change the battery with suunto's change kit because it replaces the waterproof gasket (otherwise you can get condensation inside)

The SIRF chip makes a pretty significant difference. For example Garmin added the SIRF chip to some of there higher end GPS' in the last 6-8 mo and even just out of the box the one with the SIRF chip aquired satalite quite a bit faster than the ones w/o.. took about 5 min (and the unit thought it was still in taiwan when i first turned it on)

the petzl ecrin roc maxes out at 64cm, you might give that a try.

REI never resells climbing gear. Typically they eat the cost of returned items. (everything except climbing gear is resold at garage sales for ridiculously cheap) certain vendors will sell there products to REI at a price the essentially accounts for defective items returns etc. the only stipulation for REI is that they can't resell them. So REI doesn't have to eat it all. IN regards to outfitting entire trips and then returning it all you could technically do that but from what I understand if this becomes a habit or looks out of the ordinary (more or less renting plethoras of gear at REI's expense) then you get a phone call from member services and you account is flagged and they keep an eye on you I am not sure of the actual consequences. Maybe not allowing you to shop at REI or return things or something of the sort I guess it essentially stealing. I don't know anyway just thought I would add my $0.02 But from what i here comps like ice fest in colorado (i think)are good places to test tools.

On the contrary Mt. Hardwear tends to be a cut above TNF equipment all around (TNF Denali haha). That is a sweet deal on a down Jacket though. I'm not trying to be rude but 600 fill tends to be on the low end, but this is all relative the highest quality down comforter you can buy is like 450 fill but high end down pieces (sleeping bags jackets etc) tend to be 800-900 fill power. But this year the highest fill you can find is 850 because there is a shortage in europe. But back to the point good find