@Glockem45 I can feel your pain. I live in an area in MT where if you want most anything you have to order it. Despite being the third largest city here, it doesn't matter if its sporting goods, clothing, tools etc. We are just in a poor location, sure we have big box stores and small dealers but just the way it goes.
Advice from a newly CAD bitten member, if you want a R version get it off the get go otherwise you'll end up just ordering another one or ordering parts. Wait you'll end up doing it anyhow.
The R versions are great in IMO whether your in steep terrain or not if for nothing else than the BA factor they have.
The dogs, HO oiler and handle are all great features, don't let the naysayers discourage you from getting what you are looking for. Doesn't matter if you are the only the second guy in 20 years to want one in VA...get and feel even cooler because you are the only second one in VA to get one. And if you really want to throw them for a loop tell them you want ES Light bar with it too! I know the dealers look at me cross eyed here when I ask for those...Good luck and there are plenty of folks one here that are willing to help out find the saw you want, heck I'd send one from MT but that might get it out of the price range really quickly since it's full retail here or nothing from what I have found around me.