It's been said before, but I'll say it again...

Lousyreeds, I haven't had that kind of experience at all. Terse emails may be the product of messages sent by cell phones.

I'll be honest and state that most of the transactions I have had on Audiogon have been quite good, and everyone is really rather civil. Occasionally I have gotten a lowball bid that is a bit too low, but I just say "No Thanks", and move on.
I typically exchange emails with sellers (of equipment I bought) and/or buyers (of equipment I sold) well after the sale, in order to either make sure what they bought was satisfactory or that I was satisfied with what I bought. And typically, we usually BS about our systems, or our musical tastes.
In fact, the first person I bought something (an ARC PH-3 phono preamp) from on Audiogon, has become a good friend. We get together every couple of months to listen to each others systems, and compare recent musical finds, and to toss down a couple of drinks, and sometimes we just get together for lunch during the week.
So I guess our experiences here on Audiogon have been rather different.

PS I wish you good luck in all of your future transactions here on Audiogon.

I have found.....and this is just my opinion, that the individuals who usually make an offer like the ones that are being described are not serious buyers....and you usually end up not selling to that person. In my experiences, you can tell by what the person is asking and how they are asking you is usually a good indication if you have a serious buyer. When I get short or curt question...I will answer them in the same manner...if they don't have the time...neither do I. Move on to a more interested buyer who will appreciate your product

I think the rude and simple reply to an add is usually a fishing expedition and they probably have been turned down so many times for the lowball offer that they dont bother with small talk.