The new oversized standard is a bit silly for us smaller folks. Why add weight if you don't need the strength?

Are they swapping parts on a stock bike or putting components on a frame? The stem shouldn't cost any more. In the first case, they should give you credit for the cost of the stem they are taking off the bike and in the latter case the cost should be the same. 26mm stems are no more expensive if you buy the same quality.