I got back from my trip late Monday and just got around to ordering some pellets. I've found the 30 yard challenge to be a great way to figure out what my guns REALLY like. I thought, for instance, my P35-177 liked 4.51 head size H&N Baracuda Match best but then Pyramid messed up and sent me a tin of 4.52 head size and surprise, they shot consistently and noticably a little better. Going to try 5.52 in my P35-22 even though 5.51s shoot great in my P35-22. Better than JSB 18s. Still chasing that elusive 200 (best so far is 199).
But more to the point, I ordered a tin of FX 10.3s for my P35-177. I've never tested any JSB pellets in it and thought I probably should even though my other two P35s prefer H&Ns. I ordered the FX because they were $2/tin cheaper than the JSBs and $1/tin cheaper than the AA and I am pretty sure they will shoot about the same. If they do shoot well, I will have to decide if I want to stock up on FXs or try the JSB and AA. But I may just buy a couple thousand FXs. The thing I really get out of the letter is there is no reason to have a strong preference for JSBs versus FX versus AAs. They are pretty much the same pellet. Lot to lot differences but otherwise about the same. I don't know why JSB thought it was in their best interest to point this out but I think they know and I'll use that information in my ordering.
With respect to packaging I agree Amazon does not pack them properly but I decided to test the accuracy of Amazon dented tin pellets versus Pyramyd perfect tin pellets. Both 5.51 head size H&N Baracuda Match. In my P35-22 they shot the same (on 30 yard challenge targets). Pellets were not all beat up but the tin was dented. I don't regularly buy my pellets from Amazon but if I only need one tin of something and they happen to have a good price I will. I think the packaging is more of a nuisance than a big deal. If they would just wrap the tins in some bubble wrap they could throw it in a bag and they would come out OK.