"Retracting a bid because you found the same item cheaper somewhere else, or because you simply don't want the item any more, is not allowable, and I can't imagine anyone saying it is. "

Your words Michael.

If this is the case for the buyer, then the same should hold for the seller. They should not be allowed to cancell bids, or cancel an auction simply because they got a better offer or don't want to sell the item. Fair is fair!

By the way. I did sent E-Bay a complete report of what occured with this whole auction fiasco and I will post their response when I receive word back.