There are a number of people who talk about the $70k that he made on the first trip in Feb. Big cash...which no one is talking who the customers were.
I've noticed that hole in the story, too. Anything in particular that makes you think he was selling a product--you mentioned ''gear'' (as opposed to ''service'', as in labor & technical expertise/ consultation?) The supposed $70K may not be relevant but the absence of info surrounding it is curious, at the very least. My gut reaction (for now) is that when he was being held by Iraqis, some of the bad sort (mole or AQ sympathizer) became aware of him & his being Jewish & tipped off the kidnappers. On the face of it, as far as AQ is concerned, Berg represented a ''good candidate'', being capitalist, American and Jewish.