Ive PMd a few people here, even 1 person in this thread
I think the first stage regarding reps is that you don’t have a clue about anything, then you move onto information over load, then you narrow it down, and finally you want to make 100% sure you get the right watch...(some people dont get past stage one)
Sometimes I will PM a member and say something like, "excuse me can you confirm that your watch in this thread is this watch from this vendor." I think in this case a PM would get a faster reply than posting to some thread already on page 3 or 4, and I think it is a valid personal question.
Heres one of the best Sub rep/photos Ive seen actually, yes I pm'd the guy to find out/confirm what it was. From the background I really thought it was genuine from an AD display case
Its the Andrew TrustyWatch ETA for 198USD. Great, all set. But then I find something else for literally $110 or something, looks just the same, just as highly rated, so its almost back to square one.
I do agree with the comments that most times its best to post in the public so everyone can benefit from the knowledge shared.
...And there are leeches like that "lady" asking for her "husband", but there’s also honest guys just wanting to ask a question or two directly to the more experienced people here. If I knew PMs were frowned upon I wouldn’t bother anyone. But I dont think people mind a friendly question once and a while, either that or just hit delete and move on.