True. Even reddit and other forum based communities have slowly developed a number of systems to help combat scammers. Even those iteratively based methods have a lot of holes. 

Im aware that the display model doesn't indicate availability however I've been offered that exact model no less than two months ago.  So maybe my experience is simply anecdotal but it does seem its a bit less popular than the 40mm sports model variants. 

Really? I am based in LA as well. Did you go to the Gearys located in Rodeo drive? I had a good experience with the larger flagship store there. If I remember correctly I actually saw a 36mm explorer in the case when I visited Feb 18th (last Friday). I'm sure it was a display model but it will give you a chance to see it in the metal. 

Really? The 36mm explorer honestly shouldn't be that hard to get. I've been offered one recently from my AD (turned it down because I am not the type just buy and flip and I am still waiting for a GMT Master 2). 

I recommend seriously communicating with your local AD for the 36mm explorer if its what you really are going for. I think the waitlist is shorter than you think for that particular model. Good luck getting a submariner or a GMT master II though. 

Example of independent (imho): 

Weiss watches or RGM. The whole process from movements to assembly to design is controlled by the watch maker(s) themselves. 

Baltic or Ming are microbrands. They have multiple people working on the project and therefore their production numbers are higher. 

Fair point. I was mostly posting to get a feel from other members 

Hmmm didn't think about the liability aspect. Considering this seems to be a forum-based type community I wonder if (like reddit or other forum based communities) they are absolved from liability as long as its clear that the buying/selling of objects on the site is strictly peer to peer and that the website is only a platform for interaction and not a interacting entity in the transaction. 

Aka as long as WatchCrunch isn't taking portions of the transactions between members and act as an intermediator I don't think liability is why they didn't create a sell/buy page