[bgadow]

You are taking just the right steps, I feel. Make it clear, every once in a while, that you are dead serious about it and that you will take the TV at a moments notice if they so choose. I've seen things sold to somebody else or junked and when asked later the owner said, "Oh, I never knew you were serious!" or just "I forgot, and this guy seemed pretty interested." The most important thing, I feel, is to keep this from being turned into landfill. If nothing else, maybe they can will it to a museum. That won't buy you a Fisher, though!