Thank you Phoenix!
A few things in regard to your post---
You're correct that minimal to no softening/sagging i.e.-- feels the same after a month at home as day one is key for me! Almost all of my issues come from the fact that I am very happy with the mattress I choose initially- for a period of time it performs well and feels good. Then it gets mushy or sagging very quickly, no longer feels like what I picked, and starts the back pain. So, I truly love the idea of a mattress that doesn't do that to me. THAT is what I need! At first I thought I was just not picking properly, but the truth is that I am always very happy and without back pain for the first few months or even several months to a year. But then the feel of the bed changes and it's game over pretty quickly from there.
I did try one with the microcoils, and it was ok, but I didn't love it. Even the A model seemed pretty darn firm to me. Later, once I'd narrowed down to the Willow/Alpine "C"- we unzipped the one with the micro coils and I realized that it's only 1" of softer latex on top of the microcoils rather than 2", which likely explains why I preferred the Willow. As you know, while I need a firm base, I do really like a bit of cozy feel on top and 2" of latex is just a bit more cozy for me.
Lastly, you are exactly correct about the price! In fact, Sovn is pretty consistently about $700-1000 overpriced compared to other stores that sell Berkeley Ergonomics. In fact, that is one reason I did not buy from them previously. I was sort of put off by that. In fact, there are fewer than 10 stores around the country selling B.E. from what I can tell and I think I spoke to all of them about this time last year. And every single one of them was priced a good deal lower than Sovn. For example- Sovn has the "Willow" for $3500 king set with slats. Most of the others sell the same model "Alpine" for ~$2,800 or so. Perhaps it's time to start negotiating with them a little harder. Initially I thought that Sleep Works could sell for less since they are so close to B.E. in CA and minimal shipping costs, etc.. But- I've found places in NY, Ohio, and MA, that all sell the Willow/Apine for ~$2,800. So, it's not the additional freight cost from CA that makes it cost so much more in TX if it's still so much less in MA & NY! It's just Sovn tying up the market here and overcharging. Which is a point that needs to be addressed. Any ideas on how to negotiate with them?
I do definitely like their products from everything I've learned and I think I'd have faith in their long term performance. Again, I am a realist. I don't expect 10-20 years out of a mattress. But, I think a solid, happy five years for an expensive mattress is fair to expect! if B.E. could deliver a product that wont sag or mush on me in the next five to seven years, I'd be happy to pay them $2,800 for it.
I always appreciate your thoughts Phoenix and really enjoy learning from you! I feel like I have learned so much about mattresses! More than I ever wanted to know

But, perhaps I can be of assistance to family and friends and save others from the same hassle and costly mistakes.