Thanks to both of you.

The proper name (RLE) for the method is informative.

Yes it does seem to be a "circus" trying to save bytes. But most times in this part of the world where I am located, getting the component of your choice is at times difficult, if not impossible. Facing a short time to resolve an issue, we many a times use what is available rather than choosing what to use.

The distributor is not interested in a 5pc order. And unless I get those 5 pieces, I cannot prove the end product and go for volumes. This is a vicious circle.

I think Thomas summed it up well :
Anyways , getting this stuff in Mumbai is probably akin to getting moon rocks.

Raghu