Time to spend some money.

Well, I've finally got some money to put into my bike (04 CRF 450)! Everyone always says the first mod you should make to your bike is to have the suspension revalved, this will be a first for me. The suspension on this bike is far better than any other bike I have ever ridden(although I've never ridden a bike that has had the suspension revalved). With that in mind, should I expect HUGE gains in controllability/rideability? I'm running the stock springs (180# Novice/Intermediate MX'er) and these seem to be perfect for my weight/ability....so I'm not anticipating needing to purchase new springs.
Also, I'm having trouble deciding on where to send it! Some people say Factory Connection is the best place (especially for Hondas) and I could understand that considering their experience working with more factory riders etc, but they also want a little more money for the service. MX-Tech seems to be really popular with most amateur level racers and often provide track-side support (although not in my area that I'm aware of) for just a little less than FC's price. But, a really good friend of mine's father just went into partnership with another guy and formed Hygear Suspension in NY and I can expect to save some money using their suspension. At my level, is the difference in performance between any one of the above mentioned companies going to be that noticeable? Just curious as to what I should be looking for in a tuner in regards to my skill level and expectations(saving some money, "name brand", etc.?)...also taking into account how great the suspension already is on this bike . Does suspension really get THAT much better?

Does anyone know if JW offers any type of discount for DRN members? I think MX-Tech is going to get my business.

I serviced the forks myself today. It was pretty easy, took about 2 hours. I sent the shock to Factory Connection, it was almost a hundred bucks cheaper....hopefully the quality will be comparable. I'm pretty excited!

That's kinda my outlook as well. Money talks. I was originally going to send it to MX-tech. On their website it says basically that suspension valving runs XX amount of money...but it doesn't say that's XX PER end. So I shopped around and found the cheapest and went with them. I have faith that FC will do a good job, besides the suspension on this bike is so darn good already!

That's more reason to save money! Entry fees, aftermarket accessories, top ends, gear, gas, etc.... The was I see it is: I needed to get my shock serviced anyway (had the bike a year and hasn't been done yet), no one local will do the nitrogen charge so I would have to send it out anyway, and a standard rebuild would cost me about $100 bucks.....for a little more I get a revalve too by a reputable tuner!