I know that I'm a new member of this community, but after reading all of the angst in this thread, I feel compelled to speak up.
I understand and share the disgruntlement that we 'gamers' feel towards all of the 'collectors' and re-sellers out there who continue to drive prices up, but there's no need to castigate someone who needs some money, has some stuff to sell, and offers it to a smaller segment of the public before offering it to the general public. If the seller's prices are too high, then why ridicule and antagonize him? Just ignore him. I mean, if Best Buy is selling a new Wii game that you want to purchase for $39 and Target is selling it for $89, then do you go protest in front of Target? No, you go purchase it at Best Buy, and you ignore Target. It's the same principle here.
If someone needs some $ and feels that he can get $X from eBay. I don't see a problem with him posting up his for sale list here before listing it on eBay as long as the posting is made appropriately. Example:
"I have some extra games that I'm looking to sell. After researching online, I feel that if I list these on eBay, then I can probably get the following amounts for each after deducting eBay's seller's fee. Each game comes with HuCard, Instruction Manual, and Jewel Case and is in good shape.
$X - Game title
$X - Game title
$X - Game title
$X - Game title
$X - Game title
If anyone is looking for any (or all) of these games at the price that I listed, then please PM within the next 7 days, because anything let after then will go to eBay. I am also open to offers but, as previously stated, I feel that I can probably get around the price that I listed, and I really need the funds, so I may not be able to discount very much.
Thank you for your interest in my FS thread."
If a seller were to post the above example here, I don't feel that it would be appropriate to beat him over the head, saying things like, "Your prices are too high! Stop gouging! You're an idiot if you expect to get that much!" etc... A little civility can go a long way.
I appreciate any member who makes a FS thread here, even if the prices are above what I'm currently willing (or able) to pay. I mean, current WTB threads far outnumber current FS threads here 29 to 9, maybe that's an indication that perceived market value in this community is lower than actual market value? (I'm not trying to start a fire here, but I'm just wondering.) I'm totally willing to join a community and even have 'member discounts', but that doesn't mean that everyone should be required to do so.
...my $0.02