Well tanks @Wibbles and @craigb for nuttin'
I still don't know if they should be with or without ski boards. ?
Other than maybe the aforementioned album prolly does not have ski boards.
That I do, that I do.
I now get them exclusively with 3 packs (EXBass, EZKeys, EZdrummer, Superior SDXs) or midi 6 packs from Thomann. On the whole I save 50% off list price and that really beats waiting for 40% off sales.
Update: Since I respect Tom's opinion I picked up a used (mint condition) AEA R88 mk2 stereo ribbon mic on Reverb for $1638.
Now I'll have choices galore.