In reply to Bob:
Whilst at Uni I worked as a bike mechanic, at a Specialized dealer Hot Pursuit in Totnes 1998-2002, back then they just always seemed like a really good bike company, and great support. when Ned Overend had raced down at Newnham Park in Plymouth at the worlds in Plymouth they had visited the shop and he left his back up frame which was the old carbon epic ultimate at the shop, this frame got sold and owned by good few owners, proper mint bike.
Sounds like they've lost the plot!