"The second involves the perceived 'victim'. As the story is told, the seller is a woman who is described as uninformed about cameras and their value. The buyer is presumed to be fairly knowledgeable about same. This invokes a sense of emotion regarding the seller. I posit in this case that if the seller had been a male, or a mean person, or someone who was rude, anything but what was a 'woman' and is now being described as a 'widow', again, there would be no sense of outrage"
This is absolutely correct. Anytime a senior is invlolved, especially a woman, people cry "predatory" without really investigating the facts. I've met many a senior who would take my money w/ the slightest thought. I'm not in favor of the OP or the seller. I'm really not in favor of the moralists here who find it so easy to condemn this buyer (who, admittedly did not have the good sense to keep this purchase to himself), over such a trivial matter. One person says "we should hold ourselves to a higher standars here". That's a nice sentiment, but why? Who the hell are the people here? professionals w/ expendable income, retirees w/ too much time on their hands? very few pro photogs. Some members here act as if they're in some special, exclusive club that confers moral authority. I've seen some ridiulous posts here, people even start quoting the bible over some perceived slights. But I guess that's why I keep coming back.
