Folks,
I have dealt a fair bit with Steve over the past few years. I generally ring and usually get through - generally to his wife, Carole. I have also been on his premises and the phone rings constantly. If he was to answer it when Carole isn't there, he would get no work done, and, as he is on his own, no work means no income. I think you need to give him a bit of slack!!
I also have had some unanswered e-mails during the past year, but he does reply eventually and if it is urgent I ring, leave a message and Carole generally rings back.
While his stuff is expensive - some bits mouthwateringly so - the quality is really first class so the value is there!!
Usual disclaimer -- no connection, just a satisfied customer and, I hope, a friend!!