I agree Ray (notice, though - no one in this thread has called it unethical yet - although I haven't read everything beyond this post).

I feel ending an auction early is also an excellent way to punish those who use sniper programs or wait until the last second to bid. I sometimes get anxious when an item I have listed seems to have no watchers or bidders, and I would be tempted (tempted only - I wouldn't actually do it) to sell early if someone made an offer - especially someone I knew or a regular customer.

So I can't fault someone who does it. And I certainly wouldn't call it unethical.