Be nice to nOobs

Welcome to real World David.
My experience is similar to yours. I am not a power seller/buyer and a number of my transactions is very limited due to the fact that I only get what I want, and what I need at the moment.
On the other hand, I understand someones reservations to a potential buyer with no or very small feedback but it is no excuse for ignorance.
I always try to reply no matter how busy I am. It cannot hurt.
Now someone with 300 or more feedbacks is in it for the money and I don't care what they might say.
Another observation - guys with 100 or more feel that they are already accomplished and don't remember that day when they started. I just hope they personal life is not a resemblance of this practice.
Beside these... sad examples, there are a really cool guys out there that I am sure you will eventually meet.

It is a general observation, not a rule to go by.
There are great, helpful, knowledgeable audiophiles out there.
Don't get me wrong, I am not pointing fingers at anyone.
But through closer look at the treads, posts and activities, you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to put peaces together and figure out who is who.
I don't see anything wrong in making a few $$$ here and there, I just wish that cards were on the table.
I agree with you that I might have exaggerated a little in my previous post. However my general experience and opinion is unchanged.