David,

An eBay auction has such fixed parameters that no one can complain about being outbid on an auction lot. If you didn't bid what you where willing to pay for something to begin with, timing at the end of the auction means nothing. If you did bid what you wanted to pay for an auction lot, and tied with someone as the high bidder, timing will make you the winning bidder if you placed the bid before the other person. So much for sniping if the amount is the same, because the first bid wins! I've won eBay auctions by bidding the same amount as a sniper, but doing so earlier than they did. Reverse sniping?!?