HiramRanger, you seem to feel exactly as they want you to. They want to discourage this kind of thing! And, it is amazing how you can get different answers depending on to whom you speak - and these ones ought to know - dealers, ATF? I have found dealers to want to do it their way, which means only receiving from or sending to an FFL that they can verify because they have a signed copy in hand. Might be the law in some cases, in others it is not. It also makes good sense when there is a problem with the firearm. I mean, how do you send a rifle back when your customer refuses it due to condition or the like, when the person on the other end isn't an FFL? Turns into a big hassle.
I am continually amazed at how confusing these laws are. ATF could very easily put up a more understandable chart or figure, or table that would alleviate some confusion. But, then there is always state and local laws that might have some bearing on these transactions.
Make it more and more confusing and less and less people will buy and sell, or be able to afford to do so.