John,
back to your original question in why won't people make offers. in my case, it's where the line crosses from tire kicking to buying. if i ask what's the best you'll do and the price is good enough it can push me across the line from just considering to actually buying. on the other hand, the way i look at it, if i make an offer and you accept i'm then obligated to buy it. makes me very, very careful about making offers.

roger