Many of the options (TWSBI 580AL colours) voted on were limited editions that are now in very short supply, and I am skeptical that a drop would really be feasible. Especially given that most sell second hand at a substantial amount higher than original sale.
Unfortunately, TWSBI is not interested in working with us at this time. As you might have noticed, TWSBI pens are not offered for a discount anywhere, so wouldn't exactly fit into our group buying model. TWSBI pens are a great value (some of my personal favorites for every day demonstrators), and we totally respect their pricing policies.
We'll keep reaching out to them though, and hopefully we can find some way to offer TWSBI in the future. Keep voting and posting feedback here so they can see how much the Writing community loves 'em!
It's wonderful that we have these polls and TWSBI has such a nice, user-serviceable design at a great price. However, after two scratchy nibs, both M and B, I've given up on them. When I buy a pen, I should not have to spend as much to tune it! That's why, the most consistent pens, out of the box are Platinum, Sailor, Graf Von Faber Castell and believe it or not, the good ol' Lamy Safari :)
There is a subtle difference in the AL and non-AL version and that is that the AL version contains more aluminium in the piston and around the nib. Too bad I just ordered this like 4 hours ago from cultpens.