...So mark my words. If you get recast make a point to see how many people come rushing to offer substantial help beyond "sorry you got recast".
Other than not supporting the recaster, what is the "average Joe" to do? Perhaps there should be an area more prominent on this website to denote "proven" recasters and bad vendors? Of course there would have to be proof beyond a shadow of a doubt. I've read a recent posting on Starship Modeler that accused another member of recasting their work, but it ended up in a misunderstanding and long story short, everybody is cool with it after appologies have been made...but it does show how an accusation, without proof can go horribly wrong.
In the end, you are never going to prevent recasting...only hopefully cause it to be less profitable for the recaster. There will always be the ignorant to buy their items (and you can't really blame them), but what is worse is a person knowingly buying a recast item. You will never fully prevent that from happening, since the collector is either unable to buy or can't afford the original item (or some other reason).
I've also noticed a few threads, that have mentioned "Recasting is okay, if..." ...and several reasons are given, such as; The collector has bought the original casting, and is recasting the item (or parts of) for their own use and not planning on reselling it: The company who originally made the item is sold out or out of business. In the end it's going to be "I want it because I want it, and screw whoever stands in my way for me to get it". I'm not saying the aforementioned is right, just mentioning what I've noticed.
As for myself, I always would like the original artist, because without them, we wouldn't be able to have such a diverse amount of collectible items. I certainly don't have the talent of some of these GKers, or it would take me several months (maybe years) and many dollars to recreate what they have already acheived. In the past couple of years I have purchased several resin models and replicas that I am happy to have supported the original artist. Have I got the shaft by ignorantly buying a recast? Absolutely.
All I can say for all those GKers, is to keep doing what you love, and if you feel like sharing your work, please do so with the people who can appreciate it, even it if means you will eventually get recast.
TazMan2000