Well "barter" doesn't imply that it's a good deal for the buyer. Bartering is simply exchanging goods/services for goods/services instead of conventional currency, and that could just as easily result in a bad deal for either party in the exchange.
In my estimation, it's the smaller group size on this forum and the fact that most seem to be here for the love and appreciation of the wood that is the reason for more favorable deals. I've noticed that many of the very active members know each other outside of this online forum and often have histories dating back many years. And for those like me who just happened to stumble upon this forum one day but have never met anyone in person, it feels a lot more welcoming than any comparable groups on social media. I think the forum format weeds out a lot of the people who are only in it to make a buck.
