I look through an entire hamfest right at the start for a RAL. In several years..no luck. I also look for the 6D6 and 41 tubes used in my RAK. Also the tubes used in my SW-3 (did you mention regens?). I have not found the tubes....

Maybe you are not looking in the right places. You must have more 'antique radio clubs" back there than here out west. I think RAL etc. are virtually unsellable at a ham swap. Radio tubes may soon be so. I never paid more than $5 for a factory new 6D6 or 41. Those just do not seem to me to be hard to find ones. Or maybe i have the gift, to find what i need.