Hi Larry,

"If eBay's system is totally dependent on a user's feedback"

It isn't. While feedback can be viewed as desirable for regular users, I've seen million dollar auctions bought and sold by people on eBay by members with zero feedback ratings.

"...then eBay, as "broker", is accountable for the user's comments, as "agents", since they are generated by the ISP or website host by proxy (or at minimum, overseen)?"

Overseen, yes. That's why you can have a negative comment removed. Expect the website to be responsible for the validity of every negative feedback made as to whether or not it constitutes libel? If that becomes the case, then eBay alone would need to hire every lawyer in California to evaluate every feedback comment made on their website for possible libel!

"It seems that an ISP or website host is granting everyone a Specific Power of Attorney to act on their behalf... even with a Hold Harmless clause, the ultimate accountability must fall on the ISP or website host..."

What if I stated in this forum that you raped my little sister? If Greg didn't see the post until many people read it, I would be responsible for my words, but according to your ultimate accountability reasoning, Greg would be ultimately responsible for MY words.

Bob