I prefer smaller, un-ornate font type. True, I have no problems reading small print just yet, but I am personally put off by bold 24pt font. It's actually harder to read.

As for microscopic photos: I do that, too. I'd rather be upfront about the blemishes than hear about it later. True, I've seen similar items go for more because the photos are softened or less detailed, but I wonder what kind of hassle that seller had to deal with after the auction.

Anyway, I'd just chalk it up to ebay's unpredictability. Sell it on the CR list. I've seen stuff listed there for prices that seem ridiculous to me (yes, I'm cheap), but they seem to sell. That said, $55 doesn't seem such a bad profit for that dérailleur to me!

Or, here's the website of a LBS with lots of vintage parts. Personally, I'd have trouble paying these prices. But the owner of the shop told me he had been burned enough times on ebay that he'd rather list it on his website and wait for people to come to him - and he claims they do.

http://www.thebikestand.com/vint.html

P.S. Great guy and a great shop, by the way. He's the only shop in Northern NJ I could find that has the equipment to align, respace, etc. steel frames.