I don't know why I get involved in these discussions, but here goes - if you want something, there is no harm in asking. Either someone says yes, or someone says no. Basic business 101.

If I see something that jumps out at me, and for some reason I don't want to bid or snipe, I ask. Either the seller says yes, or he says no. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. eBay isn't Amazon - but even if it was - I have no problem making a offer for something, whether it's on Craigslist, a car dealer, a bike store...even a shoe store. I've done it with online stores, too. I do the same on eBay. If the deal is sweet enough, the deal is made. If not, then I up my offer, or I walk.

I just don't see hwat the big deal is. eBay can make all the stupid rules they want, I don't really care. I'm never going to read them anyway, and they change them whenever they want anyway.

The buyer gets his bike, the seller gets his money, and eBay gets it's cut.

Incidentally, anything expensive I bid on on eBay, I ALWAYS ask a question, any question. Always. I judge whether I want to do business with the seller based on how the guy answers. In ten years of buying stuff on eBay, I've learned that you should always talk to the seller before making a major purchase. Saves being ripped off. Occasionally, at this point, I see the seller isn't a goofball, he sees that I'm not an eBay flake, and we come to an agreement. Sometimes he fishes for an offer, and sometimes I'll throw a number out there. Whatever. As I said, business is business. I lose on plenty of auctions/craigslist items, so I'm sure it allcomes out even in the end.