I think if the person buying them is happy with the deal then it's a good one. The seller needs to do what he is comfortable with. Personally, I would not try to make a profit on them, but I am in a different place in my life than I was 35 years ago and there is no need to. At one time I couldn't afford to be generous, now I enjoy it.

As for trading - like for like. The sticks you are getting were probably bought at a discount.