Just a note on the coating on the Dr Bass cabs: It's a definite plus. If I ever grow up and decide to keep my Bag End 18 permanently, Dr Bass has agreed to spray the cab for me, rendering it very well protected.
Qualitatively, its hard, shiny and has a wrinkly/nubby texture like the black tolex's on Peavey cabs. Since it's sprayed on, and very hard, objects tend to glance off when they hit, rather than digging in. I'm sure it'd be possible to cut it with enough force and/or a sharp enough edge, but you'd only cut the place you hit (no fabric to get under and rip). It is washable (for the clean-freaks and the slobs among us). I haven't tried to burn it and don't plan to...
David made a good point - None of the cabinets (boxes) we mentioned are custom in the true sense. They just have lots of options for loading them. To my knowledge, neither Dr Bass nor Ear Candy are willing to built off-size boxes that really get to the acoustic/space design issues. No manufacturer could cost-efficiently do that, since that very efficiency comes from standardization. For instance, Tim at Ear Candy explained he uses a CNC machine to cut sides and baffles, requiring extensive pre-programming. Marc Serio at DB cuts with less exotic tools, but has told me he'd treat a custom order on a special price basis. He is a little more open to the idea, since he also builds and installs pro-audio setups.
The other thing, Adam mentioned: Each of us is looking for cabs that fill a role for us. In my quest for my current rig, I bought, played and sold an Eden 210 XST and an Acme LowB2. I did not let go of either because it was a bad cab. I had just learned by trial and error (you know - the expensive way) that I liked the sound of 12's better than 10's for my current needs. I settled on Dr Bass for the reasons I mentioned above, and because I was sick of trying out cabs and manufacturers! There are plenty of great cabs I could still explore. Much of what I've gained from the Club is in the form of info and perspectives on equipment from folks I've come to respect.
It's 3 AM now. I must sleep. Sorry for the book.
Bill