Originally posted by unixrevolution From experience, sellers sometimes will consent to a "partial refund", usually the portion you feel you're due minus return shipping. That way, they keep some money, you keep your merch, and the don't have to figure out what the hell to do with a fungusy lens.
So for example, if you feel the lens was $25 of what you paid for the camera, and it'd be $10 to return it, ask him if he'd refund you $15 and let you keep it. Just be certain to assure him that it really is somewhat damaged, including the offer to really return the lens if necessary. Most eBay sellers will take the partial refund approach to keep customers happy and avoid complicated returns, and to also avoid sitting on unsaleable equipment.
Eric Hendrickson may be able to do something for your lens, though I don't know if it's going to cost more than it's worth.
Your line of thinking is how I usually think when dealing on eBay. However, the seller and I already had an issue/disagreement with shipping charges and I am not positive he'd be willing to agree to a partial refund at this point.
I considered having Eric give it CLA - it may or may not be worth the $ though.