I may be wrong, but I 'heard' Ames Ownership changed 4 or 5 years back. Around 2007-2008 when I was restoring my '67, Ames was my #1 place to shop for parts. NPD was a very close 2nd.
Then when I was restoring my coupe in 2011-2012, I had a LOT of issues with Ames. From shipping, parts availability, stuff not in stock, etc. Went more towards PY, NPD (limited products) and Classic (insane shipping charges) Bought almost nothing from Ames.
I had pretty good luck with the PY catalog in my hand, and then transferring part numbers to their website to order online. I did not like the fact that they would always need to send an email with the shipping cost at a later date, but at least they attempted to figure out what could go inside of what to save shipping costs. Classic just racks up the 'per item' shipping and nails you for the total even though they combine stuff in the end. I think 60% of their profit is due to shipping charges alone. I had one or two 'heated' phone conversations with managers at Classic about that. they always refunded part of my shipping, but makes you wonder about the million other shmucks that just bend over. The best way to make Classic worth it is to catch one of their 15% off + free shipping sales. But they only have a few of those per year. And you ALWAYS need to watch and be wary of the 'Maro parts they sell while insisting they are 'bird parts.
So between Ames (prior) new Ownership and the merger, I have a hunch prices will be trending upward in the near future.
Good thing I am down to only two 'partial' retos in the near future, and have already collected most of the parts.