I'm going to take a stand here.
The reality in this market-driven economy in the USA, (the world, for that matter) is that 8 times out of 10, a person can realize about 20% - 30% more money... yes, money, by selling a bike as parts rather than as a complete bike. Sure, it's easy to sit back and criticize someone for doing it, but do you know the whole picture? Do you know what they've done for the hobby otherwise? If they're in the retail bike business, they probably give their heart and soul to the cause. Lord knows they aren't there for the money.
Would you work for a non-profit instead of a for-profit corporation for 20% - 30% less in salary? If the answer is yes, would those who chose "no" be scumbags, pigs, or mindnumbingly selfish? I hope the heck not.
There's a reason why the market often times values parts more than the sum of the whole bike. It's because folks like you and me make that market.
If you are looking at eBay, or god-forbid buying or selling on eBay, you should know first-hand what a market-driven system is all about. For chrisakes, eBay is a textbook example of what a perfect market is!
Make sure your doorstep is swept before you ever get down on another for their dusty doorstep. I work at a non-profit, but I would never think of holding it against another for working at a for-profit corporation.
John Barron
Minneapolis