Yes I agree about the parking lot, some people (with not enough to sell to make it worth while to get a table, or time to sit), or felt the auction was iffy, would place adds in the gcca classifieds, and you could meet them in the lot or lobby (when it was warm enough).
A few years back I picked up 30 Guinacara that way for maybe $1 each, before walking in the auction.
I figure the seller thought he might only get a quarter of that, if bagged for the auction.
I've also had friends attend the swaps, and pick up pre-ordered bags when I couldn't make it. The last swap I ended up with half dozen Astatheros robertsoni.

And I agree, most swaps and auctions are definitely overkill with Africans, but I also believe that's what the general public wants.