This is sad to read.
Paul was a great guy, a real trumpet enthusiast, and was always working to get his favorite trumpet books converted to braille. I had so many opportunities to work with him over my decades of trumpet retail, and every interaction was always a treat. He will be missed.
That looks like an inexpensive Jin Bao made instrument to me...
@jolter I think your initial post fairly summed up the issues.
I would prefer Reddit, I think, if it was for pro or pro-am players only, but it's overrun by high school students (I know they have to be somewhere).
Personally, I find TrumpetHerald to be far and away the most useful trumpet forum. DECADES of posts with some incredibly useful stuff (and some bs, I know).
I would give anything to get that forum upgraded to a more modern format. IDK what it would take to do it - maybe buy it?
I don't see much value in trumpetboards - I get the weekly digest mainly because I'm a huge trumpet nerd and don't want to miss anything. 
Lovely!
I do have one in stock at Ernie Williamson Music - we are one of the largest Lotus dealers...
@rowuk Your advice is spot on. Tolerances are right with Carol Brass valves, and it can take a bit of time to break in.
@jolter That is the one I have. I've had it for years with zero problems...
I've been very happy with the Gard mouthpiece pouch.