being involved in manufacturing, i think it would be a huge insurance headache for M to give a tour and get resources to ensure the site is secured.
More thank likely they would send someone if they felt it appropriate and yes ED might come for a beer and a lunch.

Depending upon numbers a hotel or leisure centre will probably be more likely.

With regards to feedback, PR, do they really need to ? Not their go to market model and given they read this forum all the time, I would say if you were a techie would you come ?
When is that ready ? Why have you not fixed that ? where is the beta ? We all know the questions they are gonna get - dont deny it !

I think we would have more luck if they did a demo to us of some low, medium and hi-end kit at huntingdon. Limited numbers ,etc and then we went to lunch at a local establishment that might have a larger dining room in which we could sit and chat otherwise i think hotel room hires etc and we start getting into costs which some might not mind paying including myself but others may question well what do i get for being a member etc.

So in summary how about a formal application to M for a demo of low, medium hi end audio and video and then a luncheon location by someone who knows the area. We could then invite the demonstrator etc.

?? ready to to flamed ! :-)