Quote Originally Posted by asmodai View Post
Ya know, in searching around for info on repairs and such, I've read a lot about how great CPS is. But I'm not an imaging professional, just a passionate hobbyist who takes the odd gigs when people ask real nice. {I know this is an imminently googlable question, but since your brought it up, I'll ask you =P} Isn't there a pretty strict requirement of proving yourself to be a pro to join CPS?
To qualify for gold or plantinum you have to enter your equipment in the data base. With a certain amount of points you will qualify for one or the other.
This is the Canon's criteria for a pro;

"A full-time self-employed individual or an employee of a professional imaging business who plays a direct role in the creation of moving or still images."

This is probably why broken lenses have a good resale value. A platinum member could pick this lens up for cents on the dollar and have Canon fix it for $600, turn around and sell it for $1500-$1700 and make a nice profit.