I have researched at NARA in D.C. in the CW section. I do not doubt that the facts they state are correct in regards to the expense they are having with our requests for full pension files. We ask for them because it has so much in them that I do not remember getting in the military files in the past. I had been researching my g. grandfather and it took me years to figure out he was in 3 outfits and I had to go for each one as I found them to get the blanks in his time in service. I have for 9 years been researching many of the 165 CW vets I have found in the old cemetery where I am a Tour Docent and civil war specialist. Due to age and etc. my time is just about over and thank God I did it all before the price went up so much.
There will be a way to skin the cat cheaper eventually and hang in there and wait for it. I would bloody well never pay $125. for a file. Time marches on and so do prices go up. If you can , do it now...
I am a retired Federal Employee out of D.C. and understand it all maybe better then some of you chaps..

Cheers!