In the past, I commissioned a couple cues a year, for years. All was well and good until I paid a 25% deposit on a cue with John Showman and he quoted a 5 year wait. After 6 years no cue, I called him and now he wanted double the price of what he quoted (and took my deposit for). I learned that I was not alone, and he played this game with lots of buyers and most just ponied up the 2 or 3 times the quoted price to get their cues. After getting an attorney to send a letter, I finally got my deposit back. The nut huggers here and other places still defend John despite not knowing the details.
That pretty well killed the golden goose and I have only bought cues on the secondary market or from Rick Howard, who I consider a friend.
My other issue with these cue makers and their lists. I think it is a guide, and they will break in to build cues for folks irregardless of the list. I know this to be a fact with most cue builders and you just have to learn to live with it. It really isnt fair, but I have friends that have connections with some of the top cue makers (not Southwest) that "aren't taking orders" and have had cues done very quickly.
Best of rolls,
Ken