Thought I'd add an update with my experiences with Mode Aquariums.
I ordered the PLS-50 Skimmer from them (one of the few skimmer choices out there that fits in the accessory chambers of IM tanks).
I attempted contact with them over the PayPal (as the OP noted, PayPal gives an error) issue twice, once by email and once through Facebook and didn't get any response to either.
Decided on Sept 22nd to just go ahead and order with my cc. Nearly a week later the order still showed "processing" so I contacted them two more times on the 28th, once through their web interface and once by email. I actually got a response to the email on Sept 30 and they informed me it was packed and ready to ship. The skimmer arrived in good shape today (Oct 5) from UPS.
I will agree with your assessment,
@REEFERADDICT01, it feels like a really small company that can't keep up with what they have going on.