Is there a way you can force purchases from public instead of private, other than buying out private first?

Yes. In options you can select it

Main country page, go to preferences, scroll down and you'll see it on left side of the screen.

ta

Will you use this newly aquired game knowledge for good or for malicious ventures?

Depends on your point of view doesn't it. I've been running thin theo techers, so really this is just to clean up the market for reselling tanks by being able to get rid of small size low priced junk sales without having to buy out my private market first.

But that does remind me of the fun to be had with single unit standing orders and my own low priced junk sales, so maybe I'll try that instead.

I don't see how that would affect anyone tbh. Have fun.

LOL^