I have two friends that I talk to about cues every week who have been dealing with South West since the 80's and I know several others.
Nobody I know has ever had that problem.
Again, I'm sure there are two sides to the story.
Probably a miscommunication or worst case a change in their policy.
The new SW I bought was exactly to the penny as quoted.
If South West was pulling "shady moves" as you say, more threads would have been started and I doubt they would have a 10-year wait list.
I was only going by what the other gentleman said. He stated that he was quoted price X and when he went to pick up his cue they required price Y. If his story was accurate then that was shady. I am happy to hear other have not had this problem.