The rules/policy seem fine to me and have worked for a several years with only to odd bit of bother.

I can see Martin's point entirely.

The ability for members to advertise items for sale is a freebie perk rather than being the main point of the Forum which I understand to be a place to exchange ideas and opinions - help, be helped and have some fun.

If the OP couldn't be bothered to spend a few minutes writing an email and ask for the deletion to be reconsidered then on his own head be it - he'll get no sympathy from me.