I bought mine less than six months ago. For the bullshit I had to go through, I promptly planed the MAGNUS name off the front of the bracket. I refuse to advertise after the headaches I had to go through. The price it bullshit, but we also copied the design for another project. It is a bit intricate. I would have had a hard time coming up with something myself to drive it right off the cam. Maybe a belt drive setup, but less than likely the cam.
Just tell him you have no desire to deal with Magnus and you would rather give him the money. Albert is now doing large production type runs with all his machines. I can understand his point of not wanting to do one or two little pieces here and there. But, keep in mind, he still has all those files and at the end of the day it is just a few button pushes away from being made. Just pin him down and he will help you. I met him in 2006 at the Shoot Out. He is a very genuine guy. When I had to have the replacement piece made and sent out, once he figured out my desires and distaste for Magnus, I sent the money and the part arrived in 2-3 days.