The problem with seller feedback ratings...ABUSERS

Okay guys, so it looks as though the tables have turned on me a little. I gotta say, I somewhat expected that to happen. But I also think, by reading some of the above comments, that some of you may have only skimmed through the lengthy posts. So, just to clarify, I will state below the actual, verifiable facts; no opinions:

* In PMs to me, blewbyu insured me there were no missing pins on the scoops

* When asked for clarification as to the condition of the scoops, blewbyu said "some pitting, but a good original set" (italics mine)

* I agreed to his full asking price, but he asked me to send payment as "friends and family" (which offers him impunity but leaves me hanging out to dry). So I sent normal payment for normal purchases and paid the fees myself.

* I contacted the seller immediately upon inspection due to finding that the scoops were significantly different than described, with missing studs and worthless, bubbling, flaking chrome bezels.

* I made a fair offer thru PMs to send the scoops back on my dime and he could refund my money. At that point we would have both been out $36 and he would have his scoops back.

* Seller refused the offer, claims the parts are 'over 40 years old, and what should I expect?'

* I told him I would have to proceed by filing the claim with PayPal if he didn't make it right by me. Never heard back so I filed the claim.

* PayPal claims reviewed both of our positions and determined that his parts were misrepresented.

* PayPal refunded my money after I returned the scoops to Darrel, blewbyu.

* When given the opportunity to make things right, Darrell refused. He simply wanted to keep my money and leave me stuck with parts I couldn't use. He didn't have a change of heart and refund my $236. PayPal took the money back from him and refunded it to me.

* The claims process is a very lengthy one. It took about 6 weeks to get my money back.

* I waited a few days after getting my refund before I decided to leave negative feedback. I had concerns that he would retaliate by sabotaging my feedback. So I searched the forums. What I came away with is the strong opinion from most members was 'What good is the feedback system if nobody uses it"? As well as "Remember that some day one of those unpleasant events may happen to you because someone was too lazy to leave feedback."

* I proceeded to do what I considered the right thing. I left negative feedback. In case some of you don't know how it works, there is a provision in the feedback system which allows the person to post a message to the seller. I told blewbyu that it was something I felt necessary, and that if he retaliated by maliciously trashing my feedback, I would creat a thread exposing him. And he proceeded to trash my rating anyway. So here is the thread I told him I would make.

The following is my opinion, not to be confused with concrete facts listed above:

Whether or not you personally "take sides" on this is up to you. I did what I thought best. I don't lie, cheat, or steal, and I expect to be treated fairly. Just because the seller blewbyu had no negative feedback prior to this, some of you think I should have given him some sort of break. (?) I tried that. And since Darrell has been a member here for a couple years I'm sure he has his circle of friends and members that got a fair deal from him. And I'm also fairly certain that there were other dissatisfied buyers out there that simply decided to take their lumps and let it go. That's what I almost decided. But, again, what is done is done, and this thread now exists, and I apologize to anyone, other than to Darrell, who may have been somehow negatively affected or implicated.