Just wanted to provide a timely update: thanks to all the info in this forum (this topic and others) and other forums with similar news, I first made sure my 2005 Performer was registered, then I called Weber CS and told them my 11 year old table was looking sad (ok, I might have said pathetic or pitiful) and I was learning online about possibilities to make that better with the replacement table, #65189. After my CSR (Betty) finally found me in their system - took a minute - she found the part # I referenced and said it was available for my model at $65 and change (plus tax, S&H, etc). I said, you know, that's the thing, I see discussions about that price being all over the place - as low as 'comped' to $38 and change and even 45 dollars - are you sure we can't do better than that price you quoted? She didn't bat an eye, she said she was sure she could, and voila, I got it for 39 plus S&H and tax. I asked about the bin chain, wasn't sure I needed it, and she had to put me on hold a couple times and then came back with the news that I needed it and it would be added at no charge.
They're shipping today, and coupled with the info for Brian's handles, I'm officially pimping my performer and all thanks to you.
just wanted to pass along the update and the connect-the-dots info that being registered seems to be key, as well as just the usual tip to be nice, friendly, and looking for a favor. (Pretend you're on a cancelled flight and really need someone to like you to get on that other flight.)
super service from Weber/Betty - can't wait to have a 'new' Performer on my deck to show off as a result!
thanks everyone for their updates along the way, it helped a lot! cheers!