I finally heard from my original "buyer" AFTER I had posted they were pending again, and (in fact) AFTER I had already received payment.
As ADMIN over on FBBO I don't allow members slamming members. It's just bad form. So even though those of you who have been following this would like to know what the deal was with "buyer #1" I'm not gonna burn the guy publicly. If HE wants to chime in and explain himself then he's welcome to do so.
Thanks again for the support, and to "buyer #2" who took care of business. (and by the way, I took the heads to have them packed and shipped within hours of receiving payment, then passed on the tracking number and shipping cost, which he immediately payed)