@Jestor I completely agree with you about the price being very reasonable, but I hear complaints about the cost all the time from people who are used to spending $3-$4 for a brush. I personally don't think $8-$10 (which is what you can get 'em for online) is that much more money, but some evidently do.
@Malebolgia Obviously you're right that it's a sweeping statement, and I made it mostly in the name of cheap sensationalism to get people to read the article. Still, while I certainly acknowledge that there are other quality brush makers in the world (I think fairly well of Escoda, for example), I'll put W&N up against anybody else's product. Still, your point about the importance of personal style is well-taken.
I use the miniature version myself. Maybe I should have made that clearer. I did put a note at the end of the review explicitly recommending the miniature brushes, and the Dick Blick link goes to the brushes I use.
As for US shipping to Europe, I have no idea why it's so much more expensive than shipping equivalent goods the other way. It must cost US makers an awful lot of overseas sales.
Thanks for reading.