I feel ya, redsqwrl.
How many times have I been burned by intentional "obfuscation"?! (aka; vague and veiled descriptions intended to distract attention away from more serious underlying known defects.)
Such nonsense creates suspicion and wariness that puts a real damper on legitimate commerce between honest, well-meaning, decent folks with hard earned money to spend, and good deals get missed as a result.
I can understand that selling a worn out machine requires a certain type of buyer... one who is willing to assume the risk (or the tasks ahead) providing the price justifies it, but trying to divest oneself of a dog by intentionally and cleverly avoiding disclosure is just plain wrong.
No matter what I'm buying used, I see red flags pop up when sellers are reluctant to answer probing questions with reasonable clarity, consistent explanations, and a sufficient number of photos to support their statements.
I've learned to avoid those who won't work with me toward closing a deal. These are the ones who reply with one-word answers, ridiculously pixelated or far-off images, and who make claims which fly in the face of simple logic and clear evidence to the contrary. They may know they've got a true gem and are asking a fair price, but I need to be reasonably assured that such is the case so I don't get hosed yet again.
Ironically, only yesterday I had one guy on the other side of the continent tell me; "Just trust me, I only sell good machines", but refused to tell me what I'd get for my money. The guy doesn't even have an internet connection and protested when I asked to be sent a pic or two! Maybe he's honest and indeed does have a lovingly refurbished collection of machines he's getting rid of... who knows?
Anyone can say anything they want... and often do nowadays.
But I do know this: The pursuit of profit knows no bounds.
Alas, Caveat Emptor.