You are exactly right. I don't open boxes to take pictures of items I sell, or open them for inspection. If it's out of the box, I don't ever consider it "new". It could still be a "10", but not new. I'm a pretty trusting guy, but, I simply don't believe those two explanations.
"Brand New"...I don't think so
What's up with the ads that say in the title "Brand New" and then proceed to show the item on top of the box, obviously opened. Often times it will say only opened to test, or only used a week before I bought another higher priced whatever...etc.
IMO "New" means just that, never opened and especially never hooked up.
IMO "New" means just that, never opened and especially never hooked up.