... down the thread. He says unequivocally that he intends to conclude any sale for an auction on which he is the high bidder. That being the case, I see nothing in this practice which violates eBay's rules (or is otherwise improper).

And David makes a good point regarding those of us (myself included) who sometimes choose not to bid against friends (or who reach a group agreement to bid on a lot which can very easily result in a lower final price than if we all bid against each other).

I must say, I respect David's willingness to come to this BB with a forthright (and arguably politically incorrect) response to this thread.
. "And dar'st thou, then,
. To beard the lion in his den ... ?"
. Sir Walter Scott, "The Lay of the Last Minstrel"

----- jim o\-S