Scott,
I think that alot of people are afraid that they may shoot themselves in the foot with an asking price (seller's remorse, after the second caller says I'd have offered $$$ more than you took).
Otherwise, there are alot of people testing the water or trying to get the maximum the market will allow.
I agree with you though, it is frustrating. You don't want to insult someone if you offer them a $$$ they consider to be outrageously low, but they don't give you many options if you're interested in what they're selling.
Blair