What you are saying Geo. is some peoples money is better than others to Mike, and we should just accept that right?
He evidently doesn't do fifo, more likely cash-o.
A person is a fool to stick up for that.
He might be the Jesus Christ of the choke boring world, but he won't get a dime of my money.
I hope Ken's problem is based on a barter deal gone bad (one side welching) and not a large pre-paid transaction.
All the chosen people can stick up for this all they want, but they are fooling themselves. When the next "I'll pay cash, put me in front of the line" guy jumps their project, they'll be right where Ken is. And have to like it.

Bad/illegal/practices are bad/illegal practices.

Out there doing it best I can.