Having used one of the same chip (out of many other different chips used) is probably not going to result in a "same device" situation. There are much more to a BT adapter than just a DAC/amp chip. Otherwise Shanling UP4 will be the 'same device' as BTR5, which it is not as I have verified it by both my ears and my measurement gears,
Some companies do have policy that they will not send out sample, and it shouldn't be counted against them. It isn't costing an arm and a leg so Amirm (or any one from ASR) can certainly afford to get one if it is of interest of any of them. In fact, many here in the forum are capable of doing decent measurement as well - might not be as accurate as an AP, but good enough to tell a good BT adapter from a bad one. I know I/ll probably do some measurement myself, as I did will most of my gears.