Seventh Avenue I was asked for my bank statement too show them that my check cleared Internet

You wrote a check(hello 1980's) instead of using a Credit Card or Debit Card.  Unlike a Credit/Debit card that can give a company almost instant confirmation of funds and validity, a check can take a couple of weeks(or more).

A company is going to protect itself, especially when you are talking about this amount of merchandise.  They gave you an alternative of sending in a bank statment, you refused.  Instead you called your bank and did a 3-Way call with them to get this confrormation.  It may be an inconvienience for you, but it was your choice because you used a check.

Now, if you go off on the "checks are safer", you need to realize just how wrong that is.  A Check has DIRECT access to your bank account through the Routing and Account Number.  It also has your name and address.  This is more than enough for even an entry level scammer to create counterfeit checks.  Where unlike credit cards YOU are responsible for any fraudulent activity. Not only that, but to get a check processes you need to mail it to them, and have someone process the check increasing the chances of fraud.    This is also why they have a hold on your check, just in case(and I am not saying you did this) you are actually trying to comit the fraud by using a bad check.

Now, if you look at a Debit/Credit card it has only a number and name.  There is no direct access to your account.  Since you would do this on-line no "human" even touches your billing.  If there is fraud for Credit Cards you are covered, for a Debit Card most banks have a zero liability policy. 

If your card is compromised they cancel that card and issue you a new one, this not as simple with a bank account.

There isn't a single bank I am aware of that will not issue you a debit card on a checking account.  So perhaps it is time to move into the present.  Because it is only a matter of time before places stop taking checks all together...several major retailers have already done this.