Let me know if there's anything left out that should be added.
Eric Lyon
Nice write up. I was actually going to mention this earlier, that developed/revenue-earning names should have a separate section dedicated for appraisals for them (parked/dev'd)
The raw value of the name itself is not really being appraised. Instead, it's development/revenue-generating ability is being appraised.
It's common to see people hand-reg'ing names, then coming a week later, "oh whatever.me made $10 over the past 7 days. How much you think it's worth? Thanks". Question is: Does the name actually have value on it's own? I think some of you might know what I am talking about.
The appraisals come in, based on this information, and gives a better than expected appraisal for a name that has no inherent value.
A week later, that appraised domain is on Auction at NP, doesn't mention the traffic or revenue earning things (because it wasn't true and cannot provide proof=screenshots). New members remember reading the appraisal for the name and now bidding based on that revenue/traffic info. (I've seen it here soo many times-but one can't say anything as they are not breaking the rules.)
Now here's the problem: This brings about abuse of the Appraisal section. Even though rules have not been broken, it provides a loophole for ripping other members off.
A solution would be, if they are want an appraisal based on the revenues they "apparently" receive-be it from parking or dev'd names, then proof should be provided. No hurt in that for the one seeking an appraisal.
I think the appraisal section can have two subsections, the current section can be the 1 section "Appraisals for name value" (or something like that), section 2, "Appraisals for revenue generating domains" (parking, developments).
In section two, they should provide screenshots, otherwise, people can just lie, and open up an auction thread/external sales thread and rip new members off.
If there's no proof of traffic/revenue provided- appraisers can choose whether or not to appraise.
If there is proof of traffic and revenue provided-indication that OP really wants an appraisal and if you appraise it, and he puts it on sale, those who read the appraisal thread know that appraisals received are indeed more accurate. And the appraisers won't have to feel like they were party to someone else's "rip-a-sucker-off" scheme.
So perhaps, those guidelines that you have drafted can be split for say sections "1" and "2"?
Just a suggestion.