Those are all really good tips for buying anything on eBay, but I just can't justify spending that much money on a used joystick. When you consider that the Ace Combat 6 bundle retailed for $140 and you subtract $50 for the game, $5 for the faceplate, and who knows how much for the dvd, that leaves $85 max for the stick brand new.
Considering for that same $85 you could buy one of
these, I really can't see myself spending that kind of money. Thanks for the tips though, they'll really help out anybody that decides they really want one of the Horis.