To me, you are not sponsored unless you are getting paid or receiving free
product. Discounts are just that, something you negotiate, and I can
negotiate my own discounts without the need to feel obligated to anyone.

I also agree that sponsorship is all about salesmanship and promotion.
One's ability to help their sponsoring company sell more product. The more
product one is able to move, the more they are worth.

When I see the words bought and sponsor in the same sentence I have to
smile.
--
Craig Baugher