I have, at least as far as committing to learning goes, but I have a loooooong list of questions, including many about training. I'm just as happy to meet up for a pint/coffee if anyone's up for it!
Equipment isn't cheap, as you all know much better than I do, so a good conversation about who bought what and why, and what they think of it after use would go a long way to helping me make purchase decisions. I'm afraid I put little faith in company websites or sponsored athletes/instructors to be truly honest. That's a view based on many years experience as a winter mountaineer, where the right kit used the wrong way can kill you as easily as the wrong kit.