Keepin things on topic hopefully;
Ordered with A: 3/17, told him I understood if things were busy
Sent him a quick email on 3/20 checking in: he right away apologized profusely confirming things were busy for him and insisted he'd ship immediately with Sat. delivery. I mentioned this wasn't even necessary.
Received today 3/20: purple's and generic Rita's. Purples A+ as always, not sure about Rita's, topic for a different thread. Also sent him a thank you email for getting things moving so quickly.
Def. happy with dealing with A and wont be my last time. Like so many have said, don't wait till last minute and understand things can and do happen.