To answer (most?) of the questions...
The counter is about 61 square feet with about 14 sf of backsplash (going to the bottom of the cabinets. Since the main counter is U shaped, there will be 2 seams to cut. DIY Graniote says they have a jig to assure straight cuts. They are also located about an hour's drive, so going over to select slabs and geta feel for the place is no big deal.
I understand that this is labor intensive, and I am not trying to deprive anyone from an honest day's wages. Rather, I think tha right now granite (and other stone or engineered stone) counters are all the rage, so they are priced at a premium.
I also think that most do it yourselfers cringe when they think about the prospect of cutting rocks to fit to a 16th or 32nd tolerance. I feel comfortable to do the installation and fabrication myself. Plus, If I goof a cut and have to purchae more, the most expensive slab on my list is $545. I can really screw up before I have gone through the $6,000 difference.
Quite frankly, for $8,000 the cost/value ratio craters. For $2,000 it looks pretty good. Especially compared to the $800 estimate to set the tile that I buy after I take out the existing counters andf do the cement board too.
Thanks for the info. I would still really like to hear from someone who has done it themselves.