Just some thoughts from my experiences in on-line auctions (only a year on ebay but 7 years previous on others in the UK)

I think one of the main problems that hasn't been addressed is the start-price of the auctions. I know its nice sometimes to start an item at $1 and hope for a load of bids but when that doesnt happen the sniping occurs.

If a 'better' item (and most of the items people are complaining about losing to snipers are better items) is started at a realistic price, then all bids received are likely to be genuine ones. The sellers only risk is the listing fee if the item doesnt sell (higher start - higher fee) but this is far outweighed by the higher prices achieved.

I have recently listed identical pairs of dice starting at $1 and $29.99. I got $8 for one and $45 for the other - the same bidders were involved - go figure!

Yesterday I had three better dice items finishing. I had started them at $29.99, $29.99 & $49.99. They finished at $60, $87 and $122.50.

On another point from earlier, I think that people sending abusive emails regarding posts on the board should be kicked off the board. I wonder what Greg thinks. The whole point about such a board is that people are giving opinions - no one else has to take any notice if they dont want to.