In the first case, I'd have no problem pulling the chassis for you and taking pics, given the situation w/ the power, but I could see someone being freaked out about that if they don't know how to do it safely. Most people should not be taking their amp chassis out of the headshell.
Try-before-you-buy in the second situation? No, but I'd put you on speaker, or Facetime call, and give you a quick rundown of the amp. I live in New Methico. Not a stand-your-ground state and I really don't want anyone coming over to my house and scoping out what I have for future reference.