What is going on? No-one buys good stuff priced right.

tubegb...
Bravo!  I find it annoying that most of the equipment for sale here tacks on the PayPal fee in addition.  While I know that we're not retailers or business owners (for the most part), imagine using your credit card in a store and having the cashier say, "oh, a card?  We have to charge you another 3-4 percent."   

I've made offers here pretty much doing as you've done yourself, here's my offer all inclusive.  Most have refused, politely and nicely.  This is, IMHO, a "gentleman's" community in which respect and understanding go both ways.

If I had the $20k to blow on a tonearm without suffering my lot in life I probably could justify the expenditure without aforethought.  

Just because something is out of my reach financially does not make those who can afford it dupes - it's simply a matter of perceived value to the buyer. Excesses of the wealthy are hardly new to anyone here or elsewhere. Most of my friends and colleagues find my stuff "expensive" when by comparison with other members my stuff is relatively inexpensive. C'est la vie. 

There is no "problem" with 2 channel listening other than it requires dedication. 99% of the people I know do not have two channel equipment. Personally speaking my TV is in the den, my 2 channel gear in the living room. I do not have surround sound for the TV,  I find surround to be intolerable. Most of my acquaintances are just fine with their HT setups

The good stuff isn't moving as quickly because the audience for it is much smaller than it's ever been. I'm tired of parties where people Bluetooth their music over some big box store wireless speakers and find it acceptable. Ugh. 

I'm doing my best to sustain the purchases of good stuff but my finances ebb and flow!