FWIW, I use a lot of Canada Malt, both their Pils and Pale Ale malt, and am satisfied, for my purposes.
I doubt my taste buds would detect what you guys are describing as subtle differences. I can get a bag of Canada Malt at my LHBS, which is a 2 hour drive. Its from North America and has a good price point.
I tried Avangard once, it was OK, but not as good as Best or Weyermann.
Haven't seen a craft maltster in SC yet. Will definitely try one when available.