That Other Audiophile Website

usam is a perfectly good site for trading used gear, like audiogon, has always (except for one notable exception of a dishonest jerk of a seller) worked for me, over many many purchases and sales

it works, as usual, if buyers and sellers know what they are doing, are careful, ask proper questions, do proper follow up, work in good faith

people cannot read your mind, so as a buyer you need to be sure to cover the bases for what you care about

I'm curious about this part of the OP's comments: "I gave the seller a negative review. My review was removed, and I was banned from making further comments about my experience." 

I've heard of this happening on other websites as well. I suppose if the review was untrue or offensive, then it would be unfair to the seller. But if the review was accurate and honest, then I would say it should stand. I'm thinking of something like this: "While the item arrived in good condition, I was disappointed that it smelled of cigarette smoke." I imagine that the websites don't want negative reviews as that may hurt sales generally. 

So here are a few questions. First, if we agree that scratches or dents or worn buttons (or something more nebulous like age) should affect the seller's evaluation of the condition, then should smell? I'd sure say so. How much? At least 1/10 points. 

Second, and frankly this interests me more: if I write a PM to a seller with a question about the condition, would his response be considered part of the terms of the sale? In other words, if a seller offered misleading information *in a private message,* is that grounds for a return/refund? 

In fact, one could argue that if a buyer asks ANY question about the condition of the item and the seller doesn't mention that it stinks, that's grounds for refund/return. We can't think to ask every question before we purchase. (There was a long thread out here a year or so ago about a cat who pee'd on an amplifier. That's not something I'd think to ask.)

Simple Green works better than alcohol for cleaning the case. If you use alcohol, don’t use higher than 70% as I’ve had 91% damage plastic and paint in some cases. Never spray anything around your equipment. Don’t forget the transport tray. Once you clean it, sell it. Can you imagine all that tobacco tar on the laser and transport part? Chalk it up to a lesson learned.

The OP has started another thread about the same topic. Trolling?

"I gave the seller a negative review. My review was removed, and I was banned from making further comments about my experience."

USAM like this site give the person receiving the neutral or negative feedback the opportunity to appeal the review. Once the feedback is posted you (the reviewer) cannot go back and post additional feedback.