The OP states:
"
As of late for example an ad was placed for an item as "new" when owner
admits that it is 1.5 years old and has at minimum 200+ hours of use.
This in itself would be rated a 9/10 at best by the Agon rating system."
I agree this is not a "new item" but just look at all of the forum statements about break -in time. Also, consider that a lot of high end equipment will last for many many years and I judge an item that is 1.5 years old with 200 hours on it to be practically new. As a matter of fact I would wonder why the person is selling it as it is just getting broken in. The only way to demonstrate an item is new is to show the unopened factory carton. Why would anyone sell something that's never been opened (although it does occasionally happen)? I'm not disagreeing with the OP but I have sold equipment that looks brand new without any scratches or imperfections but has some years on it. So how does one determine how to rate it?