I don't normally chime in on these threads, but I've been soaking it all in the last couple days.
I know Don from personal dealings and Chris via reputation only. IMO, both are of good character.
I've had deals with Don in the past where details of items were overlooked and we discussed options and solutions were found. Don's always been one to make things right if there was a problem.
Obviously, I wasn't a witness to this deal, but I think I have a general idea of how this situation has unfolded from the beginning until now.
There have been moves made by both parties, without malicious intent, that have heightened the situation.
Don unknowingly trades a Gus that's refinished by someone other than Barry.
Chris finds that fact out a bit later.
Showman is already gone.
The parties try to resolve the problem with a new trade involving some cash, a Barry, and a Shick.
Barry comes with a gimpy leg and the 'who owes who' on the cash is mixed up. (I've had this happen to me before with Don and it's not uncommon for Don to slip every now and then. He always got his bearings in the end though.)
This is now twice Chris hasn't gotten what he's been expecting.
Situation escalates right around the time Don is trying to gather funds for Tunica.
Without the money from the Showman, nor the Barry for a trade option now that it's come up gimp, Don may feel helpless to remedy the situation.
Phone calls get heated and tempers flare.
In Don's mind, he may think he's given multiple options/chances to Chris at 'fixing' things.
Chris is told there's no more options.
Don heads to Tunica.
The thread is born and Don isn't able to defend himself.
The thread thrives and opinions accumulate.
Here we are.
Again, this is just how I see it and if you disagree with me, that's fine.
Now I want to make this crystal clear: I am not defending Don here. The start of this entire debacle came from a misrepresented Gus.
However, I do feel that a lot of 'fuel' factors worked against Don and Chris in this deal.
Don sometimes overlooks things. He doesn't do it on purpose, it just happens.
Showman was sold almost immediately after the trade.
Money was gone shortly after most likely.
Barry had a gimp leg.
Payor and payee confusion of monies owed caused tension.
Phone conflict.
Tunica on the horizon had Don scrambling for cash.
Don's lack of response because he's at Tunica causes flames.
Redundant, I know. I just want to point out that there were a lot of events that added fuel to the fire here.
At his core, I believe Don to be a good man and he will make this right. I know he will. We just have to let him FIND a way to do it. It may not be an easy solution for him right now.
Chris, you're not wrong. You deserve the Gus as was described or the Showman returned. You've been patient to this point, please show a bit more of patience and give Don a little more time to wrap his mind around the situation.
Don, when you get back from Tunica, call Chris and try to fix this. Whether or not you felt offended on the phone by Chris or felt that you've offered multiple solutions, the situation has yet to be resolved and you're the only one that can make it right.
Both of you...please try to start over. I know it's hard once things have been done and words have been spoken, but I know both of you want to walk away from this with the items you want and your reputations intact.
I also know that neither of you are malicious people.
It's my belief that the only people that should be involved in this from this point on should be Chris, Don, a mediator, and possibly Barry to do the refinish on the Gus if that's what it'll take to make everything right.
That said, none of us REALLY know all the ins and outs of this situation from beginning to end except for Don and Chris. Ultimately, it's up to them to resolve it which I think they will.
Sorry if this was a bit muddled,
Mike
