Thank you for some concrete information. Those samples could actually be different batches of the one colour. The flecks and shading are almost identical. Is the new version the low silica option following legislative changes? If so, you’ve been caught up in a change that was beyond the Manufacturers and your control. It would also explain the same name being used, something typically not done because it causes problems. PS you assumed I’m a guy. I’m not but I do have 25+ years of dealing with contracts, vendors and projects. Half my life is spent trying to get suppliers to do things they may not want to do, and it all comes back to the paperwork particularly the disclaimers and exclusions. I can’t see any resolution for you.

Yours do look very nice but don't forget there are 1000s of homes with laminate bench tops with cook tops sitting directly on them. Don't think that the sides of a BBQ get hotter than a wok burner. I do like your first pic, the more compact one. What would be the approx cost sans BBQ?

A lot of the time they build a core filled concrete block wall then construct another stone wall against it. The concrete block wall takes the job of retaining while the stone is for looks only. It does depend on what purpose the wall is performing. For example a retaining wall higher than 600mm (usually) needs engineering by a structural engineer which is easier to achieve with core filled concrete block on footings rather than just solid stone. You never mentioned the purpose of the wall which is a vital detail as there can be numerous ways to achieve similar outcomes.

I wouldn't go those dark laminate kitchen cupboards. I have the exact same and I absolutely loathe them now. I use to love the darker colours but now I wish I had just done them white, light gray or even the dark blue (although dark blue worries me a little too!). That dark laminate brown is such an absolute pain to keep clean. They show up every mark. I like your stone bench tops though but would look at other options to create the look you're hoping for with the joins and waterfall benches etc. Goodluck with it all!