I remember reading somewhere that there are some very strict rules for obtaining certain flashing units, such as you need a business license and what not, and almost had to, since you'd need to sell some firmware flashes to make up for the cost of the unit. But that's all from awhile ago.
I imagine it might be worth it to do it that way versus sending it to iunlock. I have to send it to him again, and at that point, I'll have spent close to $100.