I've always thought that the reason for mailorder places having that money back policy was for that purpose - to give the customer the opportunity to handle the gear and determine whether it was right for them, much like you can handle the gear in a brick and morter shop. I think that is more ethical than doing your tryout in a brick and morter shop, using their salespersons time and then buying the gear online (although I've been unethical enough to do just that).
As Steve mentioned, a rental would be a good way to go too.