The $500 fee makes it uneconomical for one time and small time vendors, and legal goods sold on SR will cost more because of exchange and SR fees. Not to mention, most people won't go to the trouble of buying products off SR that they can readily get through traditional channels. They're not thinking about a "revolution". So it's a nice thought, but not practical. Edit: Now if SR was willing to waive the fees, both the signup fee and commission, for legal goods, that might work. Why should they allow people to vend for free? Because like you said, it legitimizes the market and protects the whole community.