It does sound rather like a cart-before-horse situation. It reminds me of times when I've encountered people straight out of Dilbert who've read superficial articles in business magazines about 'hot' 'new' technologies (Flash, XML, .net) and, equipped with their startling new insight, start making ill-informed comments/decisions.
("You should be using SSL and digital certificates for our site"; "Er.. but it's just a static brochure site"; "But it won't be secure against hackers!").

Try explaining how to use Flash correctly when the agency is saying...’Oh it enhances the brand’, ‘oh it adds to the creative’, ‘oh it rocks’, ‘Oh it is enhanced usability..’.

The best quote I have heard to describe how to use it is "Flash is a tool, not cool"

Flash is a sugared up four-year-old continuously screaming "look at me!"

Flash is a curvacious stripper giving me a lap dance. It feels great, but I won't be able to look my wife in the eyes again.

If his company is anything like the place where I work, by the time you have a need for the product, it's too late to ask them to buy it. If you think you'll need something in the coming year, you have to ask for it during the annual budget process. If you don't, and 3 months into the fiscal year you find a need for Flash, you won't be able to get it until 9 months later.