I understand one trick with them is to call when the U.S. office is closed and you'll get automatically pushed to one of their international offices. In a weird reversal of normal call center logic, apparently their overseas call centers are staffed with much more competent folks than their U.S. call center.
As regards your testimonials, do you not say: the testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other customers. So if that is true, we cannot believe testimonies so why cite something that you then disavow?
Because the law requires them to say that. You'll see that disclaimer on all testimonials of this type from any broker. If you don't see it that would be a reason to question going with that broker.
I know the law requires that disclosure. Testimonies cannot be verified, authenticated or substantiated so why quote your own testimonies as a attribute which you go to disclaim?
Marketing studies have shown testimonials are effective. Why show scantily clad women when selling crappy beer? It doesn't have to be rational to work.
Do you mind sharing what brokerage closed your crude spread? Did they give you any notification prior to closing?