As always it's all about priorities, the seller has benefited from 3 factors: the time factor (skip the waiting list), the portability that brings the AX8 and the frenzy of last time bidders.
I'm in the opposite case, my factor is space. I am unwilling to run shipping risks and I look for local trades for do the deal in hand (this is difficult here, no many fractal units in my region). Portability is not a priority for me, in fact I prefer Axe2 rack version because I can use two amp blocks in one preset, tonematch and many other things.
And I try to stay calm as Buyer and ponders the things before deciding.
I considered the differences between Mark I, II, XL and XL+ and decide that MarkI was more than enough for me, quantum was my goal. Buy used was not a problem because fractal products are very reliable.
I've been saving for several months and finally 23th december I saw an ad of a local seller: Axe2 Mark I at 1850 euros (It has more than a year, so the warranty is not a factor to consider). I took a day to think it slow and cold and Finally I decided and got in touch with the seller.
The guy came to my house, I tested the unit quite a while with my gear, the behaviour was perfect and I gave him my money...sure that there are cheaper units outside of Barcelona, but for me knowing that my magic box has come without transport bumps is priceless.
And there's another factor beyond logic, call me supersticious, but I prefer to buy from someone who has used the product that anyone who handles it as a mere speculative product.
I don't like ebay, look at the face, shock hands, old school way is better for me.