I've tried to harp on this off and on several times. Without 'seek item' working (i.e. buy orders), only the seller part of the market is being represented.

Issues with 'seek item' include :
  • Using 2 slots of bazaar space instead of only 1
  • Only being able to seek an item you already own (and in quantities you already own)
  • Inability to purchase partial quantities (e.g. buying 100 crystals - person can sell you 5 - retainer still seeks 95)
  • Not searchable through item search desk

Regardless of AH or MW, without this system working the economy will keep limping along.