Robbie that is quite the analysis. From the sellers response I think it just boils down to the fact that he probably doesn't have time to deal with scheduling local pick up from the buyer and the headache that might ensue and/or he has it packed already and it's going to be shipped right after the sale.
Someone mentioned why I didn't ask about local pickup befor bidding? I did ask and in post #5 I say I won't bid big $$$ on it. It sold the first time for over $700 which is too much IMO. More than it's worth to me anyway.