Mike,, I'm far from an 'Elite' anything
, , but yes understand your frustration... It's the game
they play,,,don't let them get to you..
quick story,,, sold a SS tag after our flood here when I was clearing out some items. Had a high price but it was a good, rare, SS tag. Buyer asked how I got it. Told him I flew to Warsaw [via Helsinki], traveled to Kiev by train [24hrs] , then traveled hrs to Karkov in a 'Lada' [small Soviet car], spent 2 days sleeping in the mud. Then all that back, and then finally home. Buyer says,,'Wow' was going to try and talk you down a bit but now I'm embarrassed!'....
Now I try and not sell anything. Don't really collect anything anymore. Occasionally will upgrade if I can. .
Recently a member had a ring he just found that I've been looking for over 20 years. Didn't ask what he wanted for it.. He collects a few different things but one area is Italian.. I took one of my very best Italian rings and offered it in trade.. Both of us were very happy..
