pretty soon we will start seeing a bunch of high end carbon frames on the second hand market (bltC, nomadC, etc, etc)

question is would you buy one? i have always felt logically that carbon is clearly as strong as alu, but i would seriously worry if i did not know the history

i have always felt logically that carbon is clearly as strong as alu

It’s stronger.

I bought one for a build for my lad. I’d want a huge discount for a used frame (carbon or not) but don’t see carbon any differently than any other material.

Not sure.
Maybe if I asked nicely at the local RAF base I could borrow the x-ray machine to give it a quick check over first. Bit harder if it’s on fleabay or similar.
(LBS have done this for me before, is it cracked or is it just a big scratch? Quick x-ray, and yes it’s cracked. Top marks to Marin, new Mount Vision Pro arrived 3 weeks later)

It’s stronger.

To put it a different way (cause it’s a question that I’d really like to be sure about, clear as your answer seems!), would you ever buy a second-hand carbon frame? Or seatpost? Or handlebars? What if they were alu?

I’d like a carbon seatpost and handlebars but have been hesitant to buy second hand…

I’ve bought loads of 2nd hand Easton carbon bars and carbon seat posts and never had any problems – used them for years with plenty of abuse.

If you’re worried about 2nd hand carbon, have a look here. No need to pay for an expensive sticker.