A trend I've noticed in ads.

I hate when a lightly used item; e.g., "Only 100 hours," gets a 10/10 rating.

Nothing is as new unless it is in a sealed box

Yes.

My experience, as small as it is, is quite the opposite. I bought a few things "used" because I could not find a convenient dealer to buy new as I had initially wanted. Ads promised good condition but none said "new". All were much better than expected with two clearly being unopened. The other ones were opened but looked as if they had never left the box. Ok, one of them was a few years ago and not on Audiogon, but still.

I've had great luck with sellers honestly describing used items like speakers, amps , turntables and cartridgrs.

Overall, with stuff that I've BOUGHT it's all been great--the products and the communication.  In fact, I've never done a deal here that hasn't worked out.  I've had gear that didn't like--never any fraud or undisclosed issues/damage. 

Some adds of stuff I want but haven't bought seem to have funky sellers behind them.   Sellers who won't take an offer within 90-95% of ask, yet they want offers and don't say "firm" or I don't have much room.  I've had plenty of offers come in at 50-75% of my ask and always respond.   

Someone above mentioned the seller who is moving, <100 hrs, etc.  I hear that.  Yet, I also try to understand when a seller is trying to be honest in justifying their price.