Well, I can tell you that I ran into the first version of this site back in, must have been 2004, and it saved my a** from spending too much on a scam site. The reps I bought back then from the trusted dealers on this board have served me well until now. I recently rejoined here to get some new watches and many of the same dealers that were trusted 5 years ago are still around. Many of the same people are still posting here.
Secondly, if this whole site is one big scam I am pretty impressed. There are thousands of members here, posting everything from how to take apart, upgrade, and service your watches to pictures of their hometowns, jokes, etc. This is truly a community dedicated to enjoying replicas. Everyone here could care less if you think its a scam or not. The fact that you or other people stumble on here and realize they've been duped or almost duped is pure coincidence. I can san that I've bought about 10 reps or so from sellers here and I have never felt I was shafted on a transaction.