Ahh but Bonsetter, you must compare apples with apples :). We use a 100% Merino with no polyester – ie Smartwool or any other number of Merino Laminates. As such the textiles will react differently from one another.
That said yes, Merino, pure Merino, does hold moisture, like many other materials if you sweat enough, the big thing is the moisture does not impact the thermal its regulation properties and pure merino does not 'collect' odour, unlike anything with polyester in it.
In regards to our UK distributor… well, not so much any more but Scott, our old UK distributor, at Otagocyclesport does have some of our Merino kit in store still.
I really like the Lab-Gear tops I got from you, fully bespoke with extra long length – now that's something the others don't do! and tbh, any top I wear mountain biking, summer or winter always ends up soaked.