Sorry Donald but boy, that's a sweeping generalization you just made.
I've bought no less than two flash guns from people I didn't even know and my experience is definitely not as you describe. I think if it is you who don't feel comfortable about buying used, then please keep it to yourself and no need to prescribe as you have done here. Sure there are risks buying anything used but let people weight the risks themselves.
Your argument is flawed because even if I know the person who I'm buying from, how can one possibly tell exactly how extensively it has been used or abused? I know you're eager to help others but there are plenty of others who have been buying gear and shooting a lot longer but who have not faced the above.
yes, you are correct. i don't feel comfortable, i paid dearly for those moments of folly and i see nothing wrong in sharing this experience with people who (a) may not be so familiar with photographic equipment and (b) are not so familiar with the 2nd hand market.
there is really nothing flawed with my point of view - knowing the seller is a source of re-assurance. if you know the person and trust that the person is representing the condition of the 2nd hand item accurately, you will be more assured to buy it.
if, as you say, you've been shooting for a long time and have not faced the situation i described, then good for you. you are very knowledgeable and experienced and you know how to choose, know exactly what to test, how to test, and have not had the misfortune of buying something that fails after a short time.
but does every member who pops in here asking questions have the same level of knowledge, experience and luck as you?
and i don't see why i should keep my views to myself if, as you acknowledge, that i am trying to help. Just as you are now sharing your views because you believe that you are clarifying a possible misconception.
come now Denis, isn't the forum big enough for diverse views?