What is going on

No doubt there are those out there who view Audiogon and audiophiles who frequent the site as the place most likely to get top dollar for whatever it is they might be selling, especially if the useless "high end" label can be applied, and less commonly found on the open market where pricing tends to take care of itself best.

If fair and reliable pricing of safer and more common products is the goal, one is much better of in general dealing with ebay auctions, where there is a larger and demographically broader group of consumers that help to establish value of used gear over time.

I have used both as a buyer to good effect. Ebay only as a seller so far and I have found that works out well in most cases if done right.

I've bought and sold stuff for years...I have come out ahead on most things and that's fun. I've also not made anything on some stuff, which is less fun but part of the world in which we live. As is whining, apparently.

Only made money on guitars I'd bought at a nice discount and sold years later...hifi gear generally was bought used in the first place. I keep what I like for a long time. Hence, a lack of whining.