Michael,

"2. I believe the system eBay has put in place is as good as it can be, considering that NO system will please 100% of eBay users. eBay has been very effective in preventing all sorts of "fraud", and works to improve the system on a daily basis, and they have the same goal that we all have, they want a safe and secure trading environment for all users."

My point is that there is no system in place, by Ebay's own admission.

"You and Jim seem more concerned that eBay will not recognize you as "experts" in the field of casino chips"

I won't speak for Jim, but I don't want anyone to consider me an expert on casino chips, I'm not. However I don't believe you need to be an expert to understand what was going on in this auction. Especially in light of the sellers prior public statements.

"I bet the buyer is delighted with his purchase"

I hope that is the case, but the buyer would probably be no less delighted in that case if he had been told the truth.