dave e, i like your ideas as well. certainly contingencies such as a buyer not following thru are things to take into consideration. i guess my main point is that questions about an item or expressing an interest in said item does not guarantee you that item. have seen it on this and other forums when folks get their panties in a bunch and feel as if they've been screwed, but ultimately never actually committed to buying something. bottom line is the item is the seller's and he can decide who he wants to sell to, period.