I thought the earlier post was a good question.
I do think it was appropriate to lock the thread.
I've wondered that myself, considering the cost of shipping a handgun today. I just sent a target pistol in for repairs, insured for its $1500 value, and it cost me $75. That kind of change will get anyone thinking about alternatives. I'm sure the original post was motivated by well founded financial concern rather than any attempt to circumvent the law for nefarious purposes. The gunsmith will charge me a similar amount when he returns it.
Thanks for the clarification GB. You may want to make that one a "sticky" post for a while.