It's too bad a lot of local resellers don't stock Elation products(even my local resellers don't carry them in inventory, it's all drop shipped). This way, with stock on hand for demonstration purposes, stuff could quickly be swapped in and out and tested.
Oh well. It's not really a unique Elation thing, lots of places are that way about a good many brands. I know from my preferred dealer, due to distance, such options are impossible. Since this stuff tends to be expensive, it's too costly to try and fail. This makes the job of those who can properly do consulting and sales very important to those trying to make a decision.
Still, even with my limited knowledge, I don't see brick/bar lights being the way to go here. I think a much more directional fixture is the only way to address this issue. Such design is working now, and it would seem to me a more "like for like" swap-out would be the best way to start addressing this issue.
That reminds me, I need to document my latest round of problems with some lights of mine. I'm not calling support folks promptly and I've lost a week as a result!