It seems to me that negotiations should be done privately. Even if the seller initially entertains your initial public inqiry. As you state, "If it's an item I'm interested in, I'll post a low-ball offer...". I'm not sure what that has to do with educating the buyers and sellers as you imply (I believe to Ryan). You are out for some fun. In fact, you said as much in the thread that this was posted in response to.
As far as pricing "reasonably", that may be hard to define. If an item is not purchased, it's likely over-priced and the seller has some decisions to make. However, there is no reason forum users should feel that they can't or shouldn't post items on this board if they want top dollar. The market decides what an items is worth. Just because one wants it at a bargain basement price doesn't make it so.
If a seller is firm in their price, you can figure they will reject the low-ball offers. I'm not sure that making a low-ball offer just for sport contributes anything to this board. If one finds a "better" deal than is offered, take it. Badgering someone for a deal is hardly useful: "Given a choice between a used item at $210 from a stranger, or a new with warranty $220 from a vendor who offers money back guarantees... which would YOU choose?" To that I'd say, "run and get that better deal, man!". Totally not productive trying to beat someone down to get the deal you want.
For full disclosure, I made an offer on the same item Portland Cyclist vaguely refers to in his post. Like his, my offer was rejected, though I made my offer privately. I noticed that the item sold for the asking price within days. The market spoke and seems it was priced appropriately. The seller and buyer certainly think so. The market is usually right whether we like it or not. Just my two cents.
