Yeah, getting one directly from Rick...that's tricky. You probably need connections. At one stage, Rick actually said he's sell me an XM18. When the time came for the follow up email...no response.
I did see a flood of them available around that time, so that was disappointing. Still, I understand I might not be first on his list...I was polite and did write only one email inquiry. He answered the next day with a date they'd be done. As I said, when I contacted him to purchase it, he never responded. I don't like to beg.
The XM24 is a very tough one to come by. I wish you luck in your search. But if you haven't heard it's in the mail...I wouldn't hold your breath. Even if he or Rob says you'll get one...you might not.
obi