are we are own worst enemies?

You pose an interesting question. Audiogon is a market that consists of buyers and sellers. Economic theory on free markets states that at some point price equilibrium is met. It is set at point where supply and demand meet. When there is a greater demand than supply then prices rise. When there is a greater supply than demand then prices fall. It is no different in this market. We would demand higher prices for our equipment if we could get it. I would argue that the market has determined acceptable prices based on what we will pay. Technological advances in digital technology has not helped those of us who have digital items for sale either.

Go to eBay and sell your stuff for more than you should be allowed to. If you want 65% for near mint, then ask 65% and be patient, a person who really wants it will appear eventually. 50% is for demo traders. At 50% people can trade stuff, try it out, and if not to their taste can resell for 50%.

You make a sound point (pun intended) -- I also happen to agree that it is not necessary to automatically price your used gear at 50% below retail. The audio "blue book" often lists audio gear at about half of MSRP, but like the "blue book" price for automobiles, the price should be a starting point based on some common standards. Like cars that have low mileage and are in top condition, nearly new, non-obsolescent audio gear (such as speakers, analog preamps, power amps, tonearms, etc.) should retain its value better over time. Equipment that is subject to frequent technical change (such as digital equipment, surround processors, etc.), or subject to wear (such as phono cartridges) will lose their value more quickly.

When I price my equipment for sale, I try to decide what I think is a fair value for both me and the buyer. I take into consideration factors such as age and condition of the item, the price I originally paid (I set the price based on what I paid, not the MSRP), whether the item has a transferrable warranty (such as Bryston equipment), etc.

Ultimately, the buyer and seller must both agree on the perceived fairness of the price, and that perceived "fair value" may be 50% of MSRP, and it may be more.

Jazz nut, You really need to evaluate what you own. If you have bought a new sony receiver for 1,000 then $500 would be tops unless somone really wanted that unit.Which is again based on supply and demand. There are some High end audio manufactures who seem to hold their value extremly well such as Levinson ,Krell audio Research & Jeff Rowland to name the top few. Now these Are very well known and are among the best when it comes to build quality and customer support. Yes the prices are high but the resale value is also high. Iam not saying buy a peice of gear because the resale value is high you must buy what you like but when it comes time to sell you must also realize what the majority of the people own and want. Its too bad people dont appreciate other high end that isnt as well known. There are many under rated companys out there. So dont get upset when you dont get what you want just hold out and the buyer will come.
BTW: I have had a pair of Martin Logan Ascents on Audiogon for a little over 3 weeks and they are still there. They are in mint condition and Iam asking 3,500 I get I had a guy offer me 2,000 for them they list for 4,400 they are only 4 months old. So the morale to my story is we all go through it from time to time. I had sold my Levinson 335 for 5,500 which was a little high but it was two months old but it sold. Stick to your guns. Good Luck