[Crex]

Wow, you're in a pickle. It's hard to put confidence in someone's selection at a distance. I'd never let Tandy people do that for me either. Getting to where it's had to trust any of the suppliers. Even W&C have been disappointing serious craftsman for the past few years. Weaver has done pretty well by me but they are wholesale only.
I have found that a couple of visits with the shop manager can make a big difference in service. The manager at one of the local Tandy outlets and I have become good friends. To the point where he calls me when a new shipment of good leather comes in, so I can go pick through it. Makes a big difference. Like most, I like to touch and inspect my leather in person. Solid brass Hardware is getting harder to find as well.
Hope you find a source you can trust.