Hello again,
Thanks for all the thoughts guys. The truth is I don't think 1K is a bad starting point or a "low ball" offer for any two word domain. Surprisingly I've picked up some XXX,XXX level domains for around 1K and some for a couple hundred that eventually sold in the XX,XXX range. This said, why in the world would I send an initial offer of 5K for example. Also it is just that... a starting point. I have paid in the XXX,XXX range for domains that I sent an initial offer of $500. No joke!
Price aside above all I did nothing to provoke this guy and was completely professional. His response is completely unprofessional and shows that he has poor character and as someone else suggestion he is likely on the uneducated side.
Another thing if he really does not want offers he can note "(Not For Sale)" in the whois area. This clown probably thrives on sending out these type of responses.
Anyway... I wish everyone a happy holiday and all the best!!
Joel