It just seems like, if they formats are so similar, why don't they behave the same way? I almost feel like, for store owners, FP 30 should just be an upgrade fee you tack onto SI items.

I sell in ebay stores only, so I take umbrage at the description you make here.
“If I just had 100 auctions end without buyers, I’m going to be lazy and relist those items as Store Inventory now because I can do that with one button in MyeBay.”

And Cliff, too, makes point about keeping better items in FP than stores.

Some of us do quite well just using stores ONLY, without using auctions or FP at all, thanks.

For some it's a clear biz decision — one that has proven quite useful as we have never, ever, lost money on ebay using the stores system.

I figure, pick a sales method and stick with it, those pretty one-click relist buttons were created for mistakes.

Dare I say it? using stores only,, we don't make mistakes.
(Sorry, had to say it… LOL )

But in truth, I agree with your points, eBay has a weird relationship to it's STORES, even now, they are including them in searches again, playing around with them… one day they will learn to embrace them as a part of eaby –perhaps not a quick to generate revenue — but better long-term prospects.

cheers.