Hi Jim,

>>I think it would be wise to use with care an accusation that someone is doing something illegal -- and then only if you're damn sure you are factually correct.<<

I ALWAYS choose my words very carefully when possible legal ramifications could result from my writing them.

We have a dealer who admits to using friends to place "protective bids". If the transaction actually takes place under ALL circumstances (and there's no way to know in this medium), then everything is being conducted within the rules stated by eBay. Not being able to know that "protective" or shill bids do actually result in a legitmate transaction doesn't absolve the parties in question. When the seller labels people as vultures looking to steal an item to justify enlisting possible false bids in an auction, I have a REAL problem with it.

Take good care my friend,
Bob