That sucks, seems to be common anymore unfortunately....he should have offered it here on Old Gas first as I'm sure there would be a willing buyer.
I've said it before, and I try to be nice and offer information occasionally, but a simple "thanks for the help/information gents" would go a helluva long way with goodwill towards others when folks ask for information on this site! This is exactly why fewer and fewer of us are giving out information anymore.