Rob,
You have certainly "hit the nail on the head" with your advice.
Within the fraternity of collectors, prices are usually determined.
Collectors know who has what as you say and set the pricing according to market conditions.
Epay unfortunately gives too many unrealistic expectations, especially novices or people outside the community.
As one fellow stated to me over the weekend, now that eBay has removed listing charges, really there is nothing to loose by advertising items at whatever price one chooses.
When people had to pay for adverts, they put realistic prices up right off the bat, hoping to intice bidders and force a bidding war.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the restoration business, all too often one puts a lot more money into a project than we gain back. It's a risk that is all too easy to fall into...