I have to agree with Rev quite a bit. My concern is more for individual hobbyists, from a learning standpoint. My goal, as a reef consultant, is to make people educated, successful aquarists. After we finish up, my hope is that they only need to call me in an emergency, if one arises. While I like to make a bit of money off my work, I always want people to learn about reef aquariums and natural coral reefs, and understand how the science behind both is inter-related, without sacrificing their reef keeping budget to pay me. This transitions them into the realm of a successful aquarist, that can make educated decisions. This hobby is expensive, and often I work with reefers who are trying to budget their aquarium. Budgeting a reef tank is tough. There are corners that can be cut, costs that can be saved, and their are iron clad principles, that if not followed and maintained, will result in failure. New hobbyists are on fire. They want ever colorful animal they look at. They are far more likely to blow $ 500 on a frag because it says, "Thor's Hammer Ultra Rare Chalice" at this stage in reefing, than they are to perhaps understand why they need a powerful protein skimmer. I have personally had clients stumble upon a coral sellers site, and blow this kind of money, then call me and say, "Well I can't afford that skimmer, or that reactor." Now they have a very, very overpriced coral frag in an unsuitable environment, that will die. In this regard, if a vendor is getting a coral colony for a reasonable price, then giving the frags outrageous names and making a huge profit, that is a dis-service to the hobby. A lot of the experienced reefers here know those frags aren't worth near what they are being sold for. A lot of newbies think they have gotten something amazing and rare, at the sacrifice of a crucial piece of reef keeping equipment.
It's for this reason that I give client's, who are new at the hobby, a couple of free frags. I have plenty of corals, I can spare a few and it gives them something nice and colorful to add to their tank, when it's ready. It also lets them experience the joy and challenge of keeping coral healthy, without having to sacrifice their reef budget to do so. IMHO, what these vendors are doing, is only hurting the hobby, and making something already expensive, out of reach for so many.
I won't name and shame.
