This argument has raged on since the SBE came into being... except when the times were great, no one cared. Just since around 2008 did it really become an issue. But it should have always been an issue.
People have an expectation to deal with the dealers. I used to keep an eye out for the "eavesdrop" buyer. They see a Szam, or Bushka come into the booth and ease on over to your area, and try and get the 411 on your conversation. So if you don't strike a deal, they can swoop in when the guy is on the isle. This happens a lot... Remember the booth spaces are very small.
JV
This is my first trip to the show so I'm just now reading the threads about it, like this one.
Is there an "official" stance from the show on buying/selling items, like a no outside beverages allowed type of thing? Or is it one of those unspoken rules between the dealers and show goers that just everyone knows and tries to respect?