I'm just going to throw this out there:
I worked out a trade with Thumb for a carb and received it in very reasonable time.
The one I received had some rust on the tuning tabs, debris on the outside. Somewhat to be expected for likely not living in a cardboard box all its life. It will be a while before I can test it. But, I have no complaints. For dates, our trade was completed on August 31st, with items being received on both ends within a few days.
Bill, do what you will with the information. I don't want to get inbetween the two of you. Just saying I received my end of the deal.
Cheers!