Short Sales with MLS Entry Only - What?!?!?

Everyone knows that short sales are not my favorite form of sales, and I believe the best prices and attractive options right now in Sacramento are bank-owned homes (REOs) but I seem to come across these entries in the MLS more often than I'd like - the short sale (not approved by the lender) and the classic "MLS Entry Only" status modifier.

The MLS entry only to me is the classic red flag that the listing agent has either collected a fee for entering the listing into the MLS and has no further duties throughout the transaction, or that he is a discount broker with no further duties.

No further duties? Excuse me, but this is a short sale!

Here's what the Metrolist says about MLS entry only listings:

MLS Entry-Only Listings are listings whereby the listing broker, pursuant to the listing agreement, will not provide any of the following services:

a. provide cooperating brokers with any additional information regarding the property not already displayed in the MLS but instead gives cooperating brokers authority to contact the seller(s) directly for further information;

b.accept and present to the seller(s) offers to purchase procured by cooperating brokers but instead gives cooperating brokers authority to present offers to purchase directly to the seller(s);

c.advise the seller(s) as to the merits of offers to purchase;

d.assist the seller(s) in developing, communicating, or presenting counter-offers; or

e.participate on the seller(s) behalf in negotiations leading to the sale of the listed property.

Said MLS Entry-Only Listings will be identified with an appropriate code or symbol e.g. “M” placed in the Status Modifier Field) in MLS compilations so potential cooperating brokers will be aware of the extent of the services the listing broker will provide to the seller(s), and any potential for cooperating brokers being asked to provide some or all of these services to listing broker’s clients, prior to initiating efforts to show or sell the property.

I repeat, excuse me, but this is a short sale! Usually a lot more work than the average sale transaction - especially for the listing agent. If he won't even advise his clients about my offer, just how exactly is he going to get it accepted at the bank and close this sale?