OK so I've been back to Desert Dwellers. Bloke had a quick look and confirmed what I was thinking - gas wasn't going any further than the regulator. Bought a replacement and some plumbers tape. Half an hour to swap it over, couldn't reuse the original bracket so had to fit the one that came with the replacement so that added a bit of time. All good I can cook again.
but I had to bit my tongue a lot... I don't know how they get any customers, just so rude.
One of the people I spoke with yesterday referred to them as Mr & Mrs Pitbull. Said when he had no option but to refer people to them he felt really bad. So I am happy I have not had to make their acquaintance.
Your standing there with your dick is in your hand and you don't have any other choice.
They will ream you up the back door and treat you accordingly.
I lived and worked in Alice for 6 months back in 2012 and have stayed there for a few days multiple times when travelling in the NT. I have found most people genuinely helpful. For instance, with this issue I would say 80% of the places I visited at least took the time to listen and when they couldn't help offered suggestions and directions to somewhere they thought might. The other 20% just said "no, can't help".
Seadoo I have struck the attitude you describe on a couple of occasions but it was with issues where, as you say, you don't have any other choice. Where it has been an obviously "discretionary purchase" and they know you can walk away then attitude has never been a problem.